A. G. Clark - Clark's History of Prince Hall Masonry PDF

CLARK'S HISTORY
OF
PRINCE HALL MASONRY
(1775-1945)
SECOND PRINTING
CLARKS HISTORY
OF
PRINCE HALL
MASONRY
by
A. G. CLARK, JR., LL.B.; P. G. M.
Published by
United Grand Lodge of Iowa, F. & A. M.
(Prince Hall Affiliation)
Des Moines, Iowa
Second Printing by
Grand Lodge of Iowa, A. F. & A. M.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction to Second Printing 1

Introduction to First Printing 2
Authors Preface 3
Chapter 1 How Freemasonry Came to
the Negros of America 7
Chapter 2 The Grand Lodge of Missouri
and Its Antecedents 24
Chapter 3 African Grand Lodge of Iowa 42
Chapter 4 Hiram Grand Lodge of Iowa 80
Chapter 5 Steps Leading to the Union 97
Chapter 6 The United Grand Lodge
of Iowa 129
Chapter 7 Genealogy of United Grand
Lodge 257
Table 1 All Grand Officers of the Three
Grand Lodges of Iowa 263
Table 2 Elected Officers of All Iowa
Subordinate Lodges 275
Table 3 Death Roll of All Iowa
Subordinate Lodges 336
Table 4 Number of Lodges and Number
of Masons Represented in Any
Grand Lodge from 1866 to 1946 354
CLARKS HISTORY OF PRINCE HALL MASONRY
INTRODUCTION TO THE SECOND PRINTING
One day in August, 2008, I was approached by Bro. Tim Anderson,

Deputy Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge of Iowa A. F. & A. M., seeking
assistance in bringing into being a second printing of Bro. A. G.
Clarks History of Prince Hall Masonry, which had been originally
published in 1945 by the United Grand Lodge of Iowa F. & A. M.
(Prince Hall Affiliation). Bro. Anderson knew of my earlier experience
in the publishing industry and my current interest in conserving
letterpress equipment and printing.
Recognizing the historical and Masonic significance of such a
project I readily agreed and the present volume is the result.
The source document for this printing was one of the two
remaining copies from the original printing then residing in the Iowa
Masonic Library, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. This original document was
digitally scanned, processed through OCR software, and further
processed in a popular word processing program before being
submitted to final proofing and eventual publication. Budget
constraints required the use of laser printing in lieu of offset.
The scanning process, in itself, generated numerous errors, and in
the first proofing, these new errors, along with typographical errors
in the original text introduced from the original typesetting work,
resulted in many hours of editing and correction. The copy editors
noted on the Acknowledgment page are to be commended and
plenteously thanked.
I have made my best attempt to keep the original text and data
unchanged so as to retain the appearance and flavor of a document
published in 1945. Some changes were made in formatting of text to
fit the new finished size. But, no changes were made in original
sentence structure and grammar to alter it to more current, common
usage. Inconsistencies in repeated material, for instance, were
retained from the original document as the source documents used
in that first printing were no longer available and I felt it unwise to
decide which version was the more correct; that being an entirely
subjective opinion.
I would like to express my sincere and humble thanks to both the
United Grand Lodge of Iowa, F. &. A. M. (Prince Hall Affiliation), and
the Grand Lodge of Iowa, A. F. & A. M. for the opportunity to be of
service in preserving and making available this important work.
Very Fraternally Yours,

Michael Langford
Iowa City Lodge #4, Iowa City, Iowa
Past Grand Musician
1
INTRODUCTION
By PAUL D. GOODLOE, Grand Master
United Grand Lodge of Iowa (Prince Hall Affiliation)
The Most Worshipful United Grand Lodge of Iowa (Prince Hall

Affiliation) takes great pleasure in presenting to the Masonic World
and to the reading public in general this book, which we style
"Clark's History of Prince Hall Freemasonry" because the greater
portion of it was compiled by our late Past Grand Master, himself,
the first Negro graduate of Iowa University (1879), A. G. Clark, Jr. He
was the son of Alexander Clark, Sr., a charter member of the Grand
Lodge of Missouri (Prince Hall Affiliation) at its organization in 1865
and who later (1870) became Grand Master of Missouri and still later
(1884) became the second Negro graduate of Iowa University and still
later organized and became the only Grand Master of the Hiram
Grand Lodge of Iowa (1884-1887) at which latter date the Hiram
Grand Lodge united with the African Grand Lodge of Iowa to form
the present United Grand Lodge.
Being of a studious disposition the elder Clark preserved all the
proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Missouri from its organization
(1865) down to 1884; also all the proceedings of African Grand Lodge
of Iowa which existed only from 1881 to 1887; also all the
proceedings of the Hiram Grand Lodge of which he was the only
Grand Master (1884 to 1887) and also all the proceedings of the
United Grand Lodge from 1887 to the date of his death which
occurred in 1891.
By this time our late Past Grand Master A. G. Clark himself had
become a Mason and following in the footsteps of his illustrious
father began to preserve, the proceedings of the United Grand Lodge
so that when about the year 1920, he retired from the active practice
of law and had plenty of leisure, he resolved to compile the
information in this book, he had access to all the proceedings of the
Grand Lodge of Missouri from her organization in 1865 and all the
proceedings of the three Prince Hall Grand Lodges of Iowa that had
grown out of Missouri; and after about nine years of research of
these documents, presented to our Grand Lodge at Waterloo in July
1929, three typewritten copies of his compilations, which he
modestly styled the "History of the United Grand Lodge of Iowa
(Prince Hall Affiliation)," but which was in fact, a "History of Prince
Hall Freemasonry, with special reference to the Grand Lodge of
Missouri (Prince Hall Affiliation) and the three Iowa Grand Lodges
that grew out of it, down to the year 1928.
To this he had appended four sets of statistical tables, the one
giving the number of Masons represented in each Grand Lodge
2
session in Missouri from 1865 down to 1884 and in each session of

the African Grand Lodge from 1881 to 1887 and in each session of
Hiram Grand Lodge from 1884 to 1887; and in each session of the
United Grand Lodge from 1887 down to 1928.
A second table containing the names and the dates of installation
of every officer elected or appointed in the African Grand Lodge from
1881 to 1887; and in the Hiram Grand Lodge from 1881 to 1887 and in
the United Grand Lodge from 1887 to 1928.
A third table giving the names and dates of installation of every
officer ever elected in any subordinate Lodge in Iowa under the Grand
Lodge of Missouri from 1866 to 1884; also of every officer ever elected
in any of the three Grand Lodges of Iowa from 1881 to 1928; and,
A fourth table which gives the name, the number of his Lodge,
and the date of death of every brother who ever died a member of a
Prince Hall Lodge in Iowa from 1866 down to and including 1928.
Later, after the close of the Grand Lodge of 1930, Grand Master
Clark, continued this history so as to include a report of the death
and burial of Past Grand Master John L. Thompson; and while Grand
Master Clark lived until 1939, on account of his age, 74 years, he did
not attempt any further writing of the History; but fortunately his
work had been turned over to a committee of Grand Masters, one of
whom, S. Joe Brown, is also a lawyer, and was himself like both the
elder and the junior Clark, a graduate of Iowa University, hence the
task of continuing the Clark History was assigned to him and all
additions both to the "History" proper since 1930, and to the
statistical tables since 1928, have been made by him.
Fraternally submitted,
PAUL D. GOODLOE, Grand Master,
United Grand Lodge F. & A. M. (Prince Hall
Affiliation) for Iowa and Jurisdiction
3
AUTHOR'S PREFACE
From time to time since the organization of the M. W. United

Grand Lodge of Iowa steps have been taken to preserve its history as
contained in the printed Proceedings. Grand Master J. E. Gillam, in
1892, was the first to suggest the collection and binding in suitable
size volumes the Proceedings to be preserved in the Grand
Secretary's office. How poorly this idea was carried out was brought
to the attention of the Grand Lodge in 1906 by Grand Secretary H. K.
Hillon when he said: "Prior to 1904 you have not even on file in this
office the printed Annual Proceedings." He further said: "I have
collected records in the form of Printed Proceedings from 1888 up to
date and securely converted them into one volume, and placed it in
this office as the property of the Grand Lodge."
It is doubtful if any one living today can tell what became of this
unique and valuable volume. Again in 1912 the Grand Secretary was
instructed to collect a complete file of the Proceedings of African,
Hiram and the United Grand Lodge, but it was not until 1915 that
the Grand Secretary was able to report the file complete. It was
brought down to date by Grand Secretary Johnson in 1927 and is
now resting securely in the Iowa Masonic Library at Cedar Rapids.
The idea contained in Grand Master J. D. Reeler's recommenda-
tion, made in 1894, for the appointment of a Statistician was
broader and more extensive than the record contained in the
printed Proceeding. It would have laid the foundation for a history
of Negro Masonry in Iowa, which antedated the organization of the
first Lodge by fifteen years. Unfortunately Bro. Reeler's idea was
never carried out.
It was at the Annual Communication in 1906 that the matter of
compiling the history of Negro Masonry in Iowa was officially
brought to the attention of the Grand Lodge. Grand Master W. H.
Milligan in his Annual Address, offered as recommendation No. 2,
"That there be a committee of one appointed at this session to
compile the history of Negro Masonry in Iowa and report at the
session in 1907, and that he be allowed traveling expenses."
This recommendation was approved by the Committee on Juris-
prudence, to which it was referred, but at sometime during the
session the number composing the committee was changed from
one to three, for under the head "Special Committee" is found the
following record:
Pursuant to a former resolution, the Grand Master

proceeded to appoint a standing committee to compile
History on Negro Masons and Masonry in the Masonic
jurisdiction of Iowa, to report at Grand Session in 1907.
4
Committee: J. H. Shepard, Chairman: H. K. Hillon, H. D.

Jacobs.
This committee answered present" at roll call in 1907, but no

further mention is made of it in the Proceedings except they are
renamed in the list of appointments. In 1908 there is no report of
any work done by the Committee, and at that session Grand Master
Milligan appointed an entirely new committee consisting of Past
Grand Master I. L. Brown, Chairman; Bro. J. L. Thompson and Bro.
J. Wilber Norris. In the stormy session of 1909 the Historical
committee seems to have been lost as it does not again appear in
the proceedings.
The subject of a Masonic History was not again officially
brought to the attention of the Grand Lodge until the Annual
Session in 1913. At that session Grand Master John L. Thompson
offered the following recommendation:
"Masonic History. To the end that Iowa and her

jurisdiction may have a complete Authenticated Masonic
History to file away in the archives of our Library, especially
the early Masonic History of every Lodge that was ever under
our Jurisdiction and to get this History before it is lost in
the death of all the early devotees of Masonry, I therefore
recommend that a committee of three be appointed styled
Committee on Masonic History and that committee have the
power to compile and print in book form giving the date of
each local lodge organization together with at least the
elective officers of each Lodge from date of organization to
present time together with all other important history at the
expense of the Grand Lodge, the same, when printed to be
sold at a price to be fixed by the Committee, said book to
contain a brief history of Negro Masonry in America with
cuts of the Grand Officers and other prominent. Masons."
This recommendation was discussed in an informal way on the

floor of the Grand Lodge, but no definite action was taken.
At the Annual Session in 1915 the Committee on Jurisprudence
recommended as a part of its report the following: "Section 1, Be it
enacted that a committee be appointed by the M. W. Grand Master to
prepare a History of Negro Masonry in Iowa." Grand Master
Thompson, who was re-elected very graciously appointed the
members of the Jurisprudence committee, Past Grand Masters J. H.
Shepard, W. H. Milligan and J. D. Reeler, as the Historical committee.
Bro. Shepard undertook the work for the committee and had made
good progress when ill health interrupted and death came before he
5
was able to make a report to the Grand Lodge. The subject was not
again brought to the attention of the Grand Lodge until 1927, when
Bro. A. G. Clark was asked to undertake the work.
The proposition came as a complete surprise to me, as I think it
did to most of the members of the Grand Lodge. For twenty-eight
years, I had responded to the call for any service and I now felt there
was nothing left but to accept the duty and perform it as best I
could.
I make no apology for any defects which may suggest themselves
to the reader, I have done the best I could. The task has not been an
easy one by any means. It has required the expenditure of much time
and great labor, yet it has been a pleasure to me. I have felt in doing
this work that the men of today, and those who come after us, ought
to know the origin, growth and work of this Grand Lodge; they ought
to know who were the men that have made it what it is today,
tracing it from its small beginning to its present stature. It was
someone's duty to do this work. The Grand Lodge seemed to think it
was mine, and knowing of no better way by which to serve them, I
have willingly acquiesced in their decision.
A. G. CLARK
6
CHAPTER 1
How, When and Where Freemasonry was

Introduced Among the Negroes of the
United States
The observations and the historical facts given in this chapter

have been copied in full from the "Official History of the Most
Worshipful Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons for the State of
Ohio, (Colored.)" They were compiled by order of the Grand Lodge by
its Historiographer, the Most Worshipful and Honorable Brother
William Hartwell Parham. Brother Parham was stricken before the
work had been completed and died on July 9, 1904. The Grand Master
then appointed as Historiographer the Most Worshipful and
Honorable Brother Jeremiah Arthur Brown, who collated the matter
already compiled by Brother Parham, presented it to the Grand Lodge
and the same was published in 1906.
We have carefully compared the record as herein given with such
recognized authorities as William M. Grimshaw's " Freemasonry";
"The Negro Mason in Equity," by Samuel W. Clark; "Negro Masonry,"
by William H. Upton; "Prince Hall and His Followers," by George W.
Crawford; and the critical review of "The Course of Freemasonry
Among Colored Men," prepared by Worshipful Brother Willis N.
Brent, Secretary and C. C. F. C. of the Grand Lodge of Missouri, and
published in the Missouri Proceedings for 1926; and we feel amply
justified in assuring the readers of this history that the historical
facts are accurately stated and that the noble sentiments expressed
are worthy a place in any history of Freemasonry among Negroes in
Iowa.
In every history of mankind in organized bodies, there has ever
been some decisive circumstance, some all-important event, some
supreme moment or some tide in the affairs of that body, toward
which the eyes of their posterity have ever turned, and which in the
memory of the succeeding generations is distinguished as pre-
eminently the epoch of that people.
With the ancient Romans, the founding of the "Imperial City" was
an event of national pride and historic glory. Every happening of any
national importance took its date from the foundation of the city of
Rome.
On the fourth day of July, 1776, the fathers of this Republic in
solemn convention assembled, declared "that these United Colonies
are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states and
pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor to the
accomplishment of that result. Throughout all recorded time, the
7
people of these United States will regard with interest the time,
place, all the circumstances, in short, the history of the events which
led up to this declaration. To them it will ever be the period of
greatest interest in their history as a nation.
The Masonic convocation of 1717 at Apple Tree Tavern marked the
most important event in the history of Freemasonry the world over,
wherever Masonry has raised its standard and erected its altar.
Whether "ancients" or "moderns", the event of transcendent
importance to them will ever be the period and circumstances which
wrought the revival of the Royal Art and laid the foundation for
Masonic conditions as they exist today.
While we, as members of the universal family, share in this general
interest, no less than our brethren of other races and climes, we have
another occasion which to us is one of special interest and concern.
In consequence of our peculiar situation as a race in this "glorious
free (?) Republic" this model "land of the free and home of the brave,"
we find ourselves compelled to fight for every foot of vantage ground
we have ever obtained in the past or which we may desire to secure
in the future. If we have secured any right or benefits enjoyed by
others, our title is questioned and denied; if we attempt to secure
even the unalienable rights accorded to every citizen under that great
charter of rights--the Declaration of Independence--we find the
hateful, ugly monster of American prejudice casting its baleful
shadow athwart our path and blasting every prospect or promise of
hope.
Of human institutions there is none that so loudly and so un-
compromisingly proclaims and teaches the universal brotherhood of
man, and that so consistently conforms its practice to its
declarations as the fraternity of Freemasons. Freemasonry knows no
creed, clime, religion, social condition, nor color; it only knows and
proclaims to mankind, that one is your father--"The Grand Architect
of the Universe"--and all ye are brethren.
In the days of slavery when the fugitive slave law was the domi-
nant power in this country, some poor bondman who escaped from
the tender mercies of slavery, has been pursued even to the very altar
of Christianity, and dragged hence back to his old prison house again,
by legal process.
It is said that history repeats itself. Let us see.
In spite of slavery, in spite of American Negrophobia more than a
century ago, the black man of America escaped from the unfriendly
conditions of America, sought and obtained admission into the
temple of Masonry, knelt at its altar, worshipped at its shrines,
under the benign influences of other climes and other conditions.
American prejudice, jealous of any advantage thus secured in spite
and really in defiance of its influence and behest, pursued him into
8
the very temple of Masonry and sought by specious pleas and

technicalities to deprive him of his fraternal rights and privileges.
For more than a hundred years this contest has gone on. On the
one side have been arrayed the influences of wealth and station and
the claims of consanguinity, on the other nothing but simple justice
and right. Yet justice and right have prevailed. Every argument that
could be mustered, every objection that could be urged, has had its
consideration and due weight--yet our status has not been changed
nor our title disproved, and today, the Negro, as a Mason, occupies
an unassailable position, and possesses an unimpeachable title.
Every assault has been a boomerang; every indictment of us has been
a self-arraignment of our enemies.
The introduction of Freemasonry among the colored men of this
country, therefore, is to the Negro Mason an event of the highest
interest as well as of vital importance. With this history, he should
be thoroughly familiar in all its details. It is his duty to know it for
his own enlightenment and also that he may be prepared to defend
his claims against the assaults of ignorance and race prejudice. We
say ignorance because we know of no organization so bitterly
assailed by men who are so totally ignorant concerning it, as
Masonry among Negroes. Ninety-nine white men out of every
hundred, perhaps we should be nearer the truth to say nine hundred
and ninety-nine out of every thousand American Masons, who
denounce Negro Masons as irregular, clandestine, etc., are as
ignorant on the subject as the infant born yesterday. Somebody has
told them that Negro lodges were spurious, etc., and that's their
entire stock of information of the subject. Demand the proofs, and
you have driven them into a corner. But it matters little or nothing to
us about them so far as the purposes of this history are concerned,
whether they know or do not know. It does matter though, that we
should know whence came we.
Now, while this history is a local one, yet we feel that no history
of Masonry among Negroes is complete which does not tell the story
of the introduction of Masonry into America among colored men. We
do not purpose to introduce arguments to prove our legitimacy. That
is no longer necessary. "New Day, New Duty," by Bro. Caldwell, "The
Negro Mason in Equity, by Bro. S. W. Clark, "Negro Masonry," Bro.
W. H. Upton, and the admissions of some of the bitterest of our
opponents, have answered all such questions so irrefutably, that
there is nothing further to prove--but we merely purpose to tell the
simple story when, where and how, the Negro in America was
inducted into the mysteries.
On the sixth day of March, A. D. 1775, in an army lodge attached
to one of General Gage's regiments, then stationed in and near the
city of Boston, Massachusetts, Prince Hall, Cyrus Jobus, Bensten
9
Slinger, Thomas Sanderson, Prince Taylor, Cato Spear, Boston Smith,

Peter Best, Fortin Howard, Prince Reese, John Cantin, Peter Freeman,
Benjamin Tiber, Buff Buform and Richard Lily, all colored men
residents of the city of Boston, were initiated, passed and raised to
the sublime degree of Master Mason by the R. W. Bro. J. B. Batt, W.
M., of the said army lodge. These were the first colored men who are
known to have been inducted into the mysteries of Masonry in this
country. The conferring of degrees on colored men in England, and
her other colonial possessions, was not unusual then, but in the
American colonies this was the first known instance. For the degrees
conferred, each one of the fifteen brethren paid fifteen guineas for
entering, seven guineas for passing, and three guineas for raising. In
accordance with the customs of that period, the lodge in which the
degrees were conferred, granted them authority to meet as a lodge to
go in procession to divine services on St. John's Day--or in the
language of their authority--"to walk on St. John's Day, and as a
lodge they might bury their dead, "in manner and form," but they
could not confer degrees nor perform any other Masonic work.
For nine years these faithful and brethren, together with others
who had received their degrees elsewhere, assembled and enjoyed
their limited privileges.
Finally in 1784, being desirous of exercising all the powers and
prerogatives of a regular warranted lodge, Prince Hall, as the
representative of the brethren, indicted and forwarded the following
letter:
MR. MOODY:
Most Worshipful Sir--Permit me to return you my
brotherly love and gratitude for your kindness to my
brethren when in a strange land. When in time of need you
stood their friend and brother (as they inform me), and as
much as you have done it to them, I take it as done to me,
for which I now beg leave to return you, the Wardens and
the rest of the brethren of your lodge, my hearty thanks. I
hope you will forgive whatsoever you may have seen amiss
in them.
Dear Brother, I would inform you that this lodge hath
been founded almost eight years, and we have had only a
permit to walk on St. John's Day, and to bury our dead in
manner and form. We have had no opportunity to apply for a
Warrant before now, though we have been importuned to
send to France for one, yet we thought it best to send to the
Fountain from whence we received the Light, for a Warrant;
and now, dear brother, we must make you our advocate at
the Grand Lodge, hoping you will be so good (in our name
10
and stead), to the Royal Grand Master and the Grand

Wardens and the rest of the Grand Lodge, who, we hope,
will not deny us, nor treat us beneath the rest of our fellow
men, although poor yet sincere brethren of the craft. After
wishing you all happiness here and hereafter, I beg leave to
subscribe myself your loving friend and brother.
PRINCE HALL .
The Mr. Moody, to whom Prince Hall addressed the above letter,
was W. M. of a lodge in the city of London.
The application was fraternally submitted by him to the Grand
Lodge and on the twenty-ninth day of September, 1784, a Warrant
duly signed, sealed and attested, was granted to Prince Hall and his
associates under the name and style of African Lodge No. 459.
The following is a copy of that Warrant:
TO ALL AND EVERY.

Our Right Worshipful and Loving Brethren -- We, Thomas
Howard, Earl of Effingham, Lord Howard, etc., Acting Grand
Master, under the authority of his Royal Highness, Henry
Frederick, Duke of Cumberland, etc., Grand Master of the
Most Ancient and Honorable Society of Free and Accepted
Masons, send greeting:
Know ye and we, at the humble petition of our right trusty
and well beloved brethren, Prince Hall, Boston Smith,
Thomas Sanderson, and several other brethren residing, in
Boston, New England, in North America, do hereby
constitute the said brethren into a regular Lodge of Free and
Accepted Masons, under the title or denomination of the
African Lodge, to be opened in Boston aforesaid, and do
further, at their said petition and of the great trust and
confidence reposed in every of the said above named
brethren, hereby appoint the said Prince Hall to be Master;
Boston Smith, Senior Warden, and Thomas Sanderson,
Junior Warden, for opening the said Lodge, and for such
further time only as shall be thought by the brethren
thereof, it being our will that this our appointment of the
above officers, shall in no wise affect any future election of
officers of said Lodge, but that such election shall be
regulated agreeable to such by-laws of the said Lodge,
contained in the Book of Constitutions; and we hereby well,
and require of you, the said Prince Hall, to take special care
that all and every, the said brethren, are to have been
regularly made Masons, and that they do observe, perform
and keep all the rules and orders contained in the Book of
11
Constitutions; and further, that you do from time to time

cause to be entered in a book kept for that purpose, an
account of your proceedings in the Lodge, together with all
such rules, orders and regulations as shall be made for the
good government of the same, that in nowise you omit once
in every year to send to us, or our successors, Grand
Masters, or Rowland Holt. Esq., our Deputy Grand Master
for the time being, an account of your said proceedings and
copies of all such rules, orders and regulations as shall be
made as aforesaid, together with the list of members of the
Lodge, and such sum of money as may suit the
circumstances of the Lodge and reasonably be expected
toward the Grand Charity.
Moreover, we will require of you, the said Prince Hall, as
soon as conveniently may be, to send an account in writing
of what may be done by virtue of these presents.
Given at London under our hand and Seal, this 29th day
of September, A. L. 5784, A. D. 1784, by the Grand Master's
Command.
(SEAL) R. HOLT, Deputy Grand Master.
Attest: WILLIAM WHITE, Grand Secretary.
Although this Warrant was granted in 1784 it was not received by

the lodge until April 29, 1787, owing to the failure of one Brother
Gregory (to whom the matter had been entrusted), to call at the
office of Grand Secretary White and get it.
In February, 1787, Captain James Scott, a seafaring man, brother-
in-law to John Hancock, one of the signers of the American
Declaration of Independence, being in London, was requested by
Prince Hall to bring the Warrant for African Lodge back with him.
Captain Scott called on the Grand Secretary, Sir Wm. White, and
received the Warrant and paid the required fee for which he was given
the following receipt:
Received 28th of February, 1787, of Captain James Scott,

five pounds, fifteen shillings and six pence, being the fee on
the Warrant of Constitution for the African Lodge at Boston,
for the Grand Lodge of the Society of Free and Accepted
Masons.
5, 15s, 6d. WM. WHITE, Grand Secretary
On the 29th of April, 1787, Captain Scott delivered the Warrant to

Prince Hall in person.
12
The Boston, Massachusetts, Sentinel, under date of May 2, 1787,

prints the following communication from Prince Hall concerning the
reception of the Warrant:
African Lodge, Boston, May 2, 1787.

By Captain Scott, from London, came the charter, etc.,
which his Royal Highness, the Duke of Cumberland, and the
Grand Lodge have been graciously pleased to grant the
African Lodge in Boston. As the brethren have a desire to
acknowledge all favors shown them, they, in public manner,
return particular thanks to a certain member of the
fraternity, who offered the so generous reward in this paper
some time since, for the charter supposed to be lost; and to
assure him, though they doubt of his friendship, that he has
made them many good friends.
PRINCE HALL .
The arrival of the Warrant very naturally caused much rejoicing by

that little band of black Masons, and was made the occasion of a
public demonstration of the Lodge on St. John's Day, December 27,
1787. The newspapers of the day nearly all noticed it. One of the
papers in, a spirit of ridicule, spoke of the Lodge as "The Saint Black
Lodge," instead of "African Lodge." To this Prince Hall made answer
in the following communication.
Messrs. Draper and Folsom:

Dear Sirs--I notice a paragraph in your paper of the 31st of
our celebration on the 27th, in which you style us "The Saint
Black Lodge." Believing you intended to give a fair and candid
statement of the facts, I take the liberty to inform you that
our title is not Saint Black Lodge, but "African Lodge," nor
do we aspire after any high title, but only that the Supreme
Architect of the Universe may diffuse in our hearts, the true
spirit of Masonry, love to God and to our fellow men, which
we humbly conceive to be the grand pillar of Ancient
Freemasonry. With due respect to the publishers, I beg leave
to subscribe myself.
Your obedient servant,
PRINCE HALL, W. M.
A most dignified reply and withal carrying with it a subtle rebuke.

Answering the fool according to his folly lest he be wise in his own
conceit, and yet not answering the fool according to his folly in such
a way as to be like unto him.
13
It will be observed that there are certain requirements made in the

Warrant concerning the rendering of an annual account of the
condition of the lodge and the remittance of a sum for Grand Charity.
That the requirements were conformed to is evidenced by the
following letters from the Grand Secretary, Sir. Wm. White, 1792, to
Prince Hall, and from a later Grand Secretary in 1870 to the Grand
Master of Massachusetts:
London, August 20, 1792.

Right Worshipful Brother--I have the pleasure of sending
enclosed the printed proceedings of the Grand Lodge, by
which you will perceive the flourishing state of our Society;
and in the account of the 24th of November, 1787, you will
find accredited your donation to the Charity Fund, ten
dollars sent by Captain Scott, and that of the 18th of April
last, your donation of one guinea. I am much obliged to you
for the sermon you sent me, which I think very well written,
and very appropriate for the occasion.
When you next write me, I should be obliged to you if you
would let me know if the lodges in the enclosed list, which
were constituted by the Grand Lodge of England, are yet in
being, as we have never heard from them since the
commencement of the late war in America, or indeed, long
before; and in case they have ceased to meet, which I rather
apprehend, they ought to he erased from our list of lodges.
I am much obliged to you for the account you give
respecting your own lodge, to which I sincerely wish
success, as I should be happy to have it in my power to
contribute thereto.
Enclosed I send you one of the calendars for the present
year, of which I beg your acceptance.
I remain with fraternal regard, Right Worshipful Brother,
your obedient servant and brother,
Wm. WHITE.
Extract from a letter of the Grand Secretary of England to the Grand

Master of Massachusetts, dated May 5, 1870:
As you are already aware, the Warrant for the African

Grand Lodge was granted in 1784, and was numbered 459;
but the fee for the warrant, does not appear in our Grand
Lodge accounts until the 4th of April, 1787. The following
remittances were received for the Charity Fund from the
African Lodge, viz.
14
November 25, 1789, 2, 2s 11d.

April 18, 1792, 1, Is.
November 27, 1793, 1, 5s, 6d.
November 22, 1797, 1, 5s.
In the year 1797 Prince Hall, upon a petition from thirteen

brethren in Philadelphia, for a dispensation to establish a lodge in
that city, granted their petition, according them as he termed it, a
license to assemble and work." Of the thirteen who signed the
petition, ten are known to have received their degrees in England
Subsequently this lodge was warranted.
Another lodge was also warranted by Prince Hall in Providence,
Rhode Island.
Concerning the authority of Prince Hall to establish, warrant and
constitute lodges, there has been much dispute but the consensus of
opinion among the best informed Masonic writers is that he
doubtless had the authority either as a Provincial Grand Master or by
special authority delegated by the Grand Lodge of England, and that
in the absence of either, he would not have been lacking in as good
authority as that which created the majority of the lodges of that
period.
On this subject we quote the Grand Secretary of Iowa in a letter
under date, 1875, written to Bro. John D. Caldwell; he says:
My opinion is that the Negroes can make as good a show

for the legality of their Grand Lodges as the whites can. It is
only a matter of taste and not of law.
Signed, THEODORE S. PARVIN.
Albert Pike, Sovereign Grand Commander, A. and A. Scottish Rite,

writes as follows, on the same subject:
My Dear Friend and BrotherI can see as plainly as you,

that the Negro question is going to make trouble. There are
plenty of regular Negro Masons and Negro lodges in South
America and the West Indies, and our folks only stave off the
question by saying that Negro Masons here are clandestine.
Prince Hall Lodge was as regular a lodge as any lodge created
by competent authority, and had a perfect right (as other
lodges in Europe did) to establish other lodges, making itself
a Mother Lodge. That's the way the Berlin Lodges, Three
Globes and 'Royal York became Grand Lodges.
This testimony is especially valuable, coming from a man who

declares himself in the strongest terms as opposed to the recog-
15
nition of Negro lodges, who declares that he would leave Masonry

rather than accept Negroes as brothers. Yet he does not try to excuse
his Negrophobia by misrepresenting the status of Negro lodges.
While we cannot respect Bro. Pike's Masonic spirit very highly and
think that the institution would not have been a loser by his
withdrawal from it, yet we admire the frankness with which he deals
in the discussion of the question. He admits that his prejudice
against Negroes is his only reason. We think his Masonry spurious,
clandestine and irregular, and unworthy of recognition in that
fraternity whose proudest boast is its universality.
The committee of the Grand Lodge of our own state bears
testimony in the following language:
Your committee, Lucius V. Bierce, Enoch T. Carson,

Wilmer, Louis H. Pike, Chas. A. Woodward, deem it sufficient
to say that they are satisfied beyond all question that
colored Freemasonry had a legitimate beginning in this
country, as much as any other Freemasonry; in fact, it came
from the same source.
Grand Master Griswold, of Minnesota, in an annual address to his

Grand Lodge, says:
After a somewhat careful investigation of this matter, I

am satisfied that so-called irregularities attending the
organization of the first colored Grand Lodge in this country
were fewer in number and of less importance than those
pertaining to some other American Grand Lodges, Grand
Lodges now venerable with age, to whom we look with
feelings of reverence, who have been mighty powerful in
giving tone to American Masonry---who stand today
deservedly in the lead and from whom we trace our Masonic
descent The facts are, brethren, that with reference to these
matters we are living in glass houses and it is not, in my
opinion, at all wise for us to engage in the sport of throwing
stones.
Carl Wiebe Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Hamburg, in a

letter to the Hon. Brother Wm. H. Upton, M. W., Grand Master of the
M. W. Grand Lodge of Washington, under date of March 8, 1899, in
discussing this question, says:
I believe it is unwise and unjust to dispute the legal

standing of any Lodge or Grand Lodge which practices
Masonry according to our standard and has been doing a
16
good and honest work amongst the people of its own class
for upward of a hundred years. It may be possible or even
admissible to contest the legal standing of a Lodge or Grand
Lodge at the time of its establishment, but if such Lodge or
Grand Lodge has withstood the contention of legality and
afterward does withstand the severe test of vitality for over a
hundred years, then, in my opinion, it has conclusively
proved that it owes its existence not to mere chance or
caprice, but that it is destined to fulfill a mission and supply
a want. It can then claim our fraternal esteem and even our
recognition if it keeps within the bounds and practices of
pure and ancient Masonry.
Commenting on this the M. W. Brother Upton, one of the bravest,

truest and best informed Masons of today, found either in this
country or elsewhere, says:
Tested by this rule, the act of Prince Hall, which for more
than a century has withstood, not only the devouring tooth
of Time, but every attack that the ingenuity of five
generations of his white brethren could devise, and has
resulted in diffusing the pure light of Masonry through more
than a thousand lodges, among three nations of men, and in
offering to eight millions of souls, practically their only
opportunity to obtain a knowledge of the Word which was in
the beginning, is beyond successful attack.
The first lodge to which Prince Hall granted a warrant or license"

in Philadelphia was styled African Lodge No. 459, being name and
number as the original lodge in Massachusetts
On June 8, 1810, Prince Hall being dead, George Middleton, then
Grand Master of Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Boston, granted a
warrant to establish Union Lodge No. 2. In 1811 a warrant was
granted to open Laurel Lodge No. 5, and Phoenix Lodge No. 6 in 1814.
On the anniversary of St. John the Evangelist's Day, December 27,
1815, a convention of the lodges of Pennsylvania was held in the city
of Philadelphia for the purpose of establishing a Grand Lodge, which
was done, Absolom Jones being elected the first Grand Master, and
the Grand Lodge being known under the style and title of the First
African Independent Grand Lodge of F. A. A. of North America for the
State of Pennsylvania.
Who was Prince Hall? This is a question which must naturally
suggest itself to the reader.
Prince Hall was born on the 12th day of September, A. D. 1748, at
Bridgetown, Barbados, British West Indies. His father was Thomas P.
17
Hall, an Englishman, and his mother, whose Christian name we have

never seen mentioned, was a free colored woman of French descent.
The family, while highly respected by those about them for their
piety and uprightness of life, were people of humble means, not far
removed from poverty. Thomas Prince Hall, the father of young
Prince, was a leather worker by trade and employment. At the early
age of twelve years, Prince was apprenticed to learn his father's trade.
Ambitious for a broader field and brighter prospects than his home
and employment offered, he conceived the idea of coming to
America.
His parents are said to have opposed his idea very decidedly, but
with the stubbornness and impetuosity of youth and ambition, he
could not be turned from his course. So that early in the year 1765,
when less than seventeen years old, either with his parents' consent
reluctantly given or without their consent, as many his age have
done, he left home to seek his fortune in a strange land. Having but
little money he worked his way as a seaman on the vessel on which
he came. He landed in Boston, Mass., in March, 1765, after a journey
of well nigh a month.
In a strange country without relatives, friends or even
acquaintances, his pluck and resourcefulness were in urgent need;
and they did not desert him,
In a new country such as ours was at that time, trained labor and
untrained labor, in fact any kind of labor was in demand. A sturdy
young fellow, with a stout heart, willing hands and four years and
more of the discipline which an apprenticeship at an exacting trade
implied, was not likely to be long idle. He soon found employment.
He seems to have been not only an industrious young fellow but
frugal, thrifty, and economizing, for at the end of eight years he had
saved enough from his earnings to become a freeholder and a voter.
Apprenticed at such an early age, he had little or no opportunity for
mental training. In order to acquire this and supply his physical
needs at the same time, there being no night schools in his
neighborhood, he took private lessons at night after his toils of the
day.
He, while his companions slept,
Was toiling upward, in the night.
About the year 1774 a remarkable Christian awakening swept

through the New England States, kindled and fanned by the fervid
exhortations of Richard Boardman and Joseph Gilmore, two
missionaries of the Methodist Church. Among the many converts
was Prince Hall. Feeling that it was his duty to proclaim the
unsearchable riches of the gospel to them that sat in darkness, he
became a close student of the Bible, and in due time was admitted to
18
the Christian ministry. His first charge was at Cambridge, Mass.,

where he is said to have done great good, building up a large and
influential congregation. As a minister he is represented as earnest,
eloquent and uncompromising. From the fact that he sent a copy of
one of his sermons to the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of
England, we are of the opinion that his pulpit utterances were
prepared with care, duly digested and elaborated before delivery. He
does not seem to have been of that class of early preachers who took
no thought of what they should say, but simply opened their mouths
in the pulpit, trusting to God to fill their minds with matter and their
mouths with words.
He early became an outspoken enemy of slavery, and hesitated not
to denounce it on all proper occasions. He did not feel that being free
himself he could be indifferent to the pitiable condition of others. On
the contrary, he felt that he was not really free so long as his
brethren were suffering in chains. He believed that,
True freedom is to share,

All the chains our brothers wear;
And with heart and hand to be
Earnest to make others free.
On one occasion a member of his lodge and other free colored

men of the city of Boston being kidnapped by the captain of a vessel
and carried off to be sold into slavery, Prince Hall petitioned the
Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts to throw about these defenseless men the aegis of the
great commonwealth and save them from impending horrors of
slavery. The General Assembly and the Governor thus appealed to,
exerted their influence and the men were returned. He indicted and
had numerously signed a number of petitions to the General
Assembly of Massachusetts protesting against slavery and the slave
trade:
The following is a copy of one of the petitions so sent:
To the Honorable Council and House of Representatives for

the State of Massachusetts Bay, in General Court Assembled,
January 13, 1777.
The petition of a great number of Negroes who are
detained in a state of slavery in the bowels of a free and
Christian country--Humbly Shewing:--That your petitioners
apprehend that they have in common with all men, a natural
and unalienable right to that freedom which the great Parent
of the Universe hath bestowed equally on all mankind and
which they have never forfeited by any compact agreement
19
whatsoever. But they are unjustly dragged by the cruel hand

of Power from their dearest friends and some of them even
torn from the embraces of their tender parents--from a
populous, pleasant and plentiful country--and in violation of
the laws of nature and of nations and in defiance of all the
tender feelings of humanity, brought thither to be sold like
beasts of burden and like them condemned to slavery for
life. Among a people professing the mild religion of Jesus, a
people not insensible of the sweets of rational freedom--nor
without spirit to resent the unjust endeavors of others, to
reduce them to a state of bondage and subjection. Your
Honors need not to be informed, that a life of slavery, like
that of your petitioners, deprived of every social privilege, of
everything requisite to render life even tolerable, is far worse
than non-existence. In imitation of the laudable example of
the good people of these states, your petitioners have long
and patiently waited the event of petition after petition, by
them presented to the legislative body of this state and
cannot but with grief reflect that their success has been but
too similar. They cannot but express their astonishment,
that it has never been considered, that every principle from
which America has acted in the course of her unhappy
difficulties with Great Britain pleads stronger than a
thousand arguments in favor of your petitioners. They,
therefore, humbly beseech your Honors to give this petition
its due weight and consideration and cause an act of the
legislature to be passed whereby they may be restored to the
enjoyment of that freedom which is the natural right of all
men--and their children (who were born in this land of
liberty) may not be held as slaves after they arrive at the age
of twenty-one years. So, may the inhabitants of this state
(no longer chargeable with the inconsistency of acting
themselves, the part which they condemn and oppose in
others) be prospered in, their present glorious struggles for
liberty; and have those blessings secured to them by heaven,
of which benevolent minds cannot wish to deprive their
fellowmen. And your petitioners as in duty bound shall ever
pray.
PRINCE HALL,
PETER BESS, AND OTHERS.
Notwithstanding Prince Hall was of English birth and parentage

yet his sympathies were with the colonists during the Revolutionary
struggle. He enlisted in the American Army in February, 1776,
remaining until about 1782, when he returned to Boston, married a
20
Miss Phoebe Parker of that City, and settled down as a man of affairs.
On the 7th of December, 1807, at the age of well nigh sixty years, after
an illness of four weeks, caused by pneumonia, Prince Hall was called
from labor.
His funeral was attended by a very large number of the best
citizens of Boston of both races. His body was interred with the
impressive ceremonies of Masonry in Copp's Hill burying ground. A
monument was erected to his memory, by the Masons of
Massachusetts, at Copp's burying ground. This monument, which is
built of marble, consists of a broken column resting on a marble
base, and is a tasty and significant design and does credit to the
brethren of Massachusetts. With great pomp and display it was
unveiled June 25, 1895, Bro. John J. Smith, the last surviving member
of old African Lodge, No. 459 being present. Every colored Grand
Lodge in the country was represented.
21
CHAPTER 2
The Grand Lodge of Missouri, Her Antecedents, and

A Record of Her Jurisdiction of Lodges in the State of Iowa
From 1866 to 1884
It is well here to correct a statement found in Grimshaw's History

of Free Masonry In Chapter XL under the heading "Free Masonry in
Iowa 1870," he says: "The first three lodges in this State (Iowa) were
established and chartered by the Grand Lodge of Ohio in 1870." This
statement is wholly incorrect. The Grand Lodge of Ohio never
established nor held a chartered lodge in Iowa. Nor were the first
three lodges established in 1870. The Grand Lodge of Missouri is the
only Grand Masonic jurisdiction that ever established, or attempted
to establish, subordinate lodges in the State of Iowa. And it held
undisputed jurisdiction in Iowa from its organization in 1865 until
the organization of African Grand Lodge in August 1881; and during
that time chartered ten lodges in the State. This record is, perhaps,
without a parallel in the History of American Grand Lodges, white or
colored. At the time of its organization there were no Masonic lodges
in Iowa, although there were a number of Masons residing in the
State who held their membership in Missouri, Illinois and Ohio. Of
these, we can only speak positively of two. Alexander Clark and Jacob
P. Pritchard, both residents of Muscatine, Iowa, were members of
Prince Hall Lodge No. 10 (Ohio Register), located in St. Louis,
Missouri, which lodge became Lodge No. 1 at the organization of the
Grand Lodge of Missouri. Both of these Masons were present at the
organization convention in June, 1865, and became members of the
Grand Lodge at its first special communication held in St. Louis
December 20 to 26, 1866, and took an active part in its proceedings,
Bro. Pritchard as W. G. Sword Bearer and on the Committee of Ways
and Means, and Bro. Clark was Chairman of the Committee of Ways
and Means and also served on the Committee of Grievances. Both
were appointed on a special committee to whom was referred the
report of Bro. Moses Dickson, R. W. Grand Lecturer who had
organized two lodges in Iowa. It was largely due to the influence and
activity of these two pioneer Masons that brought organized
Masonry into Iowa, at that early date. They both demitted from
Prince Hall Lodge and assisted in the formation of Clark Lodge No. 6
at Muscatine, Bro. Clark being appointed Worshipful Master and Bro.
Pritchard Senior Warden. Bro. Pritchard, however, soon withdrew
from Clark Lodge and placed his membership back in Prince Hall
Lodge at St. Louis, where it remained until he moved his family from
Muscatine to Kansas City. He helped to organize Roan Lodge No. 25
and was its first Worshipful Master. In 1870 he was elected Senior
22
Grand Warden and in 1881 Deputy Grand Master. Pritchard Lodge No.
42 and Pritchard Court No. 3, H. of J., which he helped organize, are
named in his honor. He died at Kansas City March 13, 1975. He has a
daughter, Mrs. Sadie J. Hart, now living at 4841 Federal Street,
Chicago, Illinois, who is quite prominent in the adoptive rites in the
orders of Heroines of Jericho and Eastern Star. Bro. Clark remained a
member of Clark Lodge until it became defunct in 1888. While it is
possible that other Iowa Masons may have been present at these
initial meetings of the Missouri Grand Lodge, their names do not
appear in any of the printed records I have been able to obtain. No
members of York Lodge No. 8 at Keokuk are mentioned in the
proceedings until the meeting in June 1867, when, as will be shown
in the record that follows, the Lodge received its charter.
The following account of the antecedents and the causes leading
up to the organization of the Grand Lodge of Missouri can be found
in the Grand Lodge proceedings of 1876, compiled by Worshipful Bro.
Willis N. Brent, Grand Secretary, which read as follows:
The three Lodges that formed the Hiram Grand Lodge of

Pennsylvania, in 1837, were all chartered by the 'African
Lodge and its successor, the first of which as early as
March, 1797.
The Hiram Grand Lodge established daughter Lodges in
Pennsylvania, Delaware and Ohio. In 1847, another Grand
Lodge was formed in Pennsylvania by refractory
subordinates of the Hiram Grand Lodge. In 1849, the
Delaware subordinates formed the Hiram Grand Lodge of
that state.
The three Ohio Lodges were all located at Cincinnati;
Corinthian, True American, and 'St. John's. By the
concurrence of these Lodges, the Grand Lodge for the State
of Ohio and its jurisdiction, was formed in 1850, and the
formal recognition by Hiram Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania,
followed shortly after. This new Grand Lodge planted
daughter Lodges in Missouri, Illinois, and Kentucky. The
first formed in Missouri, being Prince Hall Lodge, September
23, 1851, located at St. Louis. Two others were subsequently
established, and the Missouri Lodges were numbered upon
the Register of the Grand Lodge of Ohio as follows: H.
McGee Alexander Lodge, No. 8, Prince Hall No. 10, Lone
Star No. 22.
These were all located at St. Louis.

The Missouri members were held in high esteem, and filled many
conspicuous stations; among others, those of Grand Master, Grand
23
Treasurer, Grand Secretary, and Grand Lecturer, the last being filled,
during several consecutive years, by Bro. Moses Dickson; afterward
Grand Master of Missouri. Possessing talent and energy, and ardent
zeal in this office, it cannot be denied that to his labors is largely due
the credit of effecting the first uniformity in the work of colored
Masons in the West. In the election of 1865, the Missouri members
were wholly ignored. An analysis of the constituent Lodges shows
very clearly how it was done, but the records and brethren who
participated, are silent as to the reason why. There were eighteen
Lodges upon the register, nine in Ohio, three in Illinois, two in
Kentucky, one in Tennessee, and three in Missouri. The Committee
on nominations presented two reports, and it is a singular fact, that
though there were but two Ohio men, out of five members on the
committee, all of the elective officers on both reports were allotted
to Ohio men, save two. The majority report, which was presented by
a Kentucky and the two Ohio members, was a straight home ticket,
except that Missouri was accorded the second place, that of D. G. M.
The minority report, presented by a member from Missouri and one
from Illinois, strange to say, also favored an almost exclusive Ohio
ticket, conceding however the first place to Illinois, the third to
Kentucky, and all the rest to Ohio. In open session, the Illinois
member of the minority was himself substituted for an Ohio nominee
for the fourth place. The minority report was successful and thus
Missouri, with a member of the committee on nominations and with
the three strongest Lodges in the jurisdiction, was openly snubbed.
Illinois with three Lodges, got the Grand Master and Junior Grand
Warden; Kentucky with two, the Senior Grand Warden; Ohio, the D.
G. M., Treasurer, and Grand Secretary. The conclusion is obvious.
Returning from this session, which closed June 24th, the Missouri
members led the three Lodges in St. Louis into the formation of a
new Masonic centre. In July, several weeks subsequent, a convention
of these, with the Past Masters and old members residing in St.
Louis, was held in the Masonic Hall. There was a full representation
of the H. McGee Alexander, No. 8, Prince Hall, No. 10, and Lone Star,
No. 22, by their respective Masters and Wardens. The breach that was
so obvious at Columbus only a few weeks before between the
Missouri members, now seemed entirely closed; the utmost peace
and harmony seemed to prevail; the organization was duly effected,
with Bro. H. McGee Alexander, a zealous and intelligent Mason, as
Grand Master. Bro. W. P. Brooks, and Bro. Wm. Roberson were
chosen to the offices of Grand Treasurer and Grand Secretary,
positions which they had but recently filled in the Grand Lodge of
Ohio. To Bro. Moses Dickson was assigned the honorable and very
responsible position of Grand Lecturer, which he had so acceptably
filled under the Mother Grand Lodge, with the task of building up
24
and extending the new organization. How far he succeeded in this

arduous task will subsequently appear from the report of the
Committee on Dispensations and Charters. The Ohio Grand Lodge
was organized as an independent body, and six years from that event,
became a member of the 'National Compact.' The new organization
closely followed that precedent. Established in July 1865, the petition
to the National Grand Lodge for a Grand Warrant by the Grand
Officers, bears date of June 1st 1866. The Grand Secretary had been
authorized to procure such warrant; and on its arrival a 'Special
Communication' was called to remodel the organization to the
requirements of that document.
We now copy from the record as printed in the proceedings of the
Grand Lodge sessions held at St. Louis, December 20 to 26, 1866, and
June 18 to 21, 1867.
The proceedings opened with a copy of the original Charter issued
by the Colored National Grand Lodge of the United States legalizing
and empowering the Grand Lodge of Missouri to proceed and work
as a Grand Lodge. We reproduce that historical document here that
the future student of Masonry in Iowa may better understand the
conditions under which Negro Masonry was trying to operate at that
time, and better understand the origin of the present day so-called
Compact organizations that are now trying to establish themselves
as regular Masons in many parts of the country.
THE WARRANT
OF THE
MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND LODGE
FOR THE
STATE OF MISSOURI
To All Whom It May Concern:

The Most Worshipful National Grand Lodge of the Most
Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted
Ancient York Masons of the United States of North America,
(according to the old Constitution at York, in the Kingdom
of England.) duly established and organized for the said
United States, according to the resolutions and by the
authority of a grand Convention, held in the City of Boston,
State of Massachusetts, on the 24th, 25th, 26th and 28th
days of June, A. D. 1847; A. L. 5847.
Wisdom, Strength, Fraternity.
WHEREAS, A petition, bearing date June 1st, A. D. 1866, was

presented in the name of Henry McGee Alexander, and
others, praying the grant of a Charter of Constitution and
25
erection in the usual form, for holding a Grand Lodge in the

State of Missouri, under the name and title of the Most
Worshipful Grand Lodge for the State of Missouri; and under
the authority of the Most Worshipful National Grand Lodge
of the United States of North America, proposing the
persons after mentioned to be the first officers thereof, viz.
Henry McGee Alexander, Most Worshipful Grand Master,
John Sexton, Right Worshipful Grand Senior Warden; Geo.
Phillips, Right Worshipful Grand Junior Warden; Wm. P.
Brooks, Right Worshipful Grand Treasurer, and William
Roberson, Right Worshipful Grand Secretary; which petition
having been duly considered, we are pleased to ordain a
Charter, to be issued in the terms under written:
KNOW YE, therefore, That the Most Worshipful National
Grand Master, and the National Grand Lodge, have
constituted, erected and appointed; likewise they hereby
constitute, erect and appoint the Grand Master, Grand
Wardens and brethren above named to be now and in all
times coming a true and regular Grand Lodge of Free and
Accepted Masons for the State of Missouri, under the name,
style and title of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free
and Accepted Ancient York Masons for the State of
Missouri. And we do hereby authorize and empower our
Worshipful and beloved Brethren, and their successors in
office, to constitute by Charter, or organize by Dispensation,
Subordinate Lodges within the said State of Missouri,
according to the Constitution of Masonry, and of the Most
Worshipful National Grand Lodge, upon the payment of such
fee as may be determined by the said Most Worshipful Grand
Lodge; also to make choice of a Grand Master, a Deputy
Grand Master, Grand Wardens and other Grand Officers
annually; to receive and collect funds for the support of the
Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, and for the payment of such
sums as may be assessed by the Constitution and
Regulations of the Most Worshipful National Grand Lodge:
And we do further authorize and empower the said
constituted brethren and their successors to have and
determine all and singular matters and things relating to the
craft within their jurisdiction, with the assistance of the
members of said Grand Lodge, subject to an appeal to the
Most Worshipful National Grand Lodge. Such appeal,
however, shall be signed by at least three members of said
Grand Lodge; and shall possess and exercise all the powers
and functions of a State Grand Lodge. And we do hereby
require the said constituted brethren to attend the Most
26
Worshipful National Grand Lodge, at their triennial

communications and other meeting by their Grand Master,
Deputy Grand Master, and Grand Wardens, or by proxy
regularly appointed; also, to keep a fair and regular record of
all your proceedings in a book to be kept for that purpose;
and we do enjoin upon the officers and brethren of said
Grand Lodge that they be punctual in their payments of such
sums as may be assessed on them by the National Grand
Lodge, and to make regular returns annually to the National
Grand Secretary, or to the Most Worshipful National Grand
Lodge, of the names and members of all the Lodges under
the jurisdiction of said Grand Lodge, where located, of the
suspensions, expulsions, and of the Charter surrendered;
also, the number of members belonging to each Subordinate
Lodge, and of the election and installation of the officers of
the Grand Lodge.
And we do hereby declare that the proceedings of the
said Grand Lodge, in National Grand Lodge, to commence
from the Twenty-fourth day of June, Anno Domini, One
Thousand Eight Hundred and Sixty-six; and lastly, we do
hereby authorize and empower our said worshipful Brothers,
Henry McGee Alexander, John Sexton, and George Phillips, to
install their successors, being first duly elected and chosen,
to whom they shall deliver this warrant, and invest them
with all the powers and dignities to their offices respectively
belonging; and such successors shall, in like manner, from
time to time install their successors, etc., etc., etc., such
installation to be upon or near St. John the Evangelist's, or
St. John the Baptist's day, during the continuance of this
Grand Lodge forever; Provided always that the said above
named Worshipful Brothers, and their successors, pay due
respect to the Most Worshipful National Grand Lodge and
the ordinances thereof; otherwise this Warrant to be of no
force or virtue.
Given by the authority of the Most Worshipful National
Grand Lodge, under the signatures of the Most Worshipful
National Grand Officers and the Seal of the Most Worshipful
National Grand Lodge, this Twentieth day of June, Anno
Domini, One Thousand Eight Hundred and Sixty-six, and in
the year of Masonry Five Thousand Eight Hundred Sixty-Six.
RICHARD HOWELL GLEAVES, M. W. N. M.
M. W. N.N. D. G. M.
WILLIAM EDWIN GIBSON, M. W. N. S. G. W.
CHARLES T. DUTCHER, M. W. N. J. G. W.
JOHN HENRY BUTLER, M. W. N. G. T.
27
Attest: JONATHAN DAVIS, M. W. N. G. S.
The First Special Communication of the Most Worshipful Grand

Lodge of Free and Accepted A. Y. Masons for the State of Missouri
and its jurisdiction thereunto belonging, was held in the City of St.
Louis, commencing December 20th, A. D. 1866, A. L. 5866.
A full representation of Prince Hall Lodge No. 1, Lone Star Lodge
No. 2, H. McGee Alexander Lodge No. 3, were present. The Grand
Master submitted his report from which we cull the following:
During the past six months there have been nine Lodges opened
by Bro. Moses Dickson, R. W. G. L., who was commissioned with
proper authority to open the following Lodges: August 11, Clark
Lodge, Muscatine, Iowa. October 4, York Lodge, Keokuk, Iowa.
The Grand Secretary then made his report from which we cull the
following facts:
The first duty performed was to draw up the Warrants for the
Three Lodges composing this Grand Lodge viz. Prince Hall Lodge No.
1; Lone Star Lodge No. 2, and H. McGee Alexander Lodge No. 3.
On April 7, 1866, I wrote Bro. R. H. Gleaves, N. G. Master of the
Most Worshipful National Grand Lodge of the U. S. of N. A.,
informing him that we had in July, 1965, withdrawn from under the
jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, and established an
Independent Grand Lodge, for the State of Missouri, at the same time
asking him on what conditions we could become a Member of the
National compact. I received an answer dated April 12, 1866, stating
the conditions under which we could be received in the National
compact. A copy of the letter I have in my possession.
The conditions being satisfactory, I by order of the Grand Lodge of
Missouri complied, and wrote for a Warrant, which I received on 5th
of July, 1866, which is now held by your Grand Master. From "Money
Received" we note the following:
August 21, 1866, from M. Dickson, for three Dispensations to open
Pioneer Lodge St. Paul, Minnesota, Clark Lodge, Muscatine, Iowa, and
York Lodge, Keokuk, Iowa, $30.00.
The Committee on Dispensations and Charters recommended that
a Warrant be granted Clark Lodge, Muscatine, Iowa, saying: "We, your
Committee, to whom was referred the Report of Bro. Moses Dickson,
R. W. G. L., beg leave to report that we find that he has formed the
following lodges:
Pioneer Lodge, St. Paul, Minnesota

Clark Lodge, Muscatine, Iowa
York Lodge, Keokuk, Iowa."
28
At the morning session we find the following Resolution: "That

the Officers of Clark Lodge No. 6, and Far West Lodge No. 7, be
installed in this Grand Lodge this evening at 7 o'clock."
At the evening session the following is the record:
M. W. G. Master, H. McGee Alexander proceed to install

the Officers of Clark Lodge No. 6, and Far West Lodge No. 7,
as follows: Bro. Alexander Clark, W. M. of Clark Lodge No. 6,
and P. Bro. Hogan Green, W. M. of Far West Lodge No. 7.
At the afternoon session on Wednesday, December 26, 1866 the

following record was made:
Your committee having examined the petitions of the

following Lodges for a continuance of their Dispensations
would respectfully ask that their prayer be granted. Among
the Lodges named was York Lodge U. D. Keokuk, Iowa,
whose Dispensation was continued until the month of June,
1867.
In the Grand Lodge session held in St. Louis commencing June 18,
A. D. 1867, A. L. 5867, the following is the report of the Committee on
Dispensations:
We, your Committee on Dispensations and Charters, beg

leave to Report, that as the York Lodge, U. D. Keokuk,
Iowa, having applied in regular form for a warrant, we
recommend that their prayer be granted.
On motion of J. W. Smith, Bro. William A. Dove, was duly installed

W. M. of York Lodge No. 8, Keokuk, Iowa. Also, Bros. David Lawrence
S. W. and A. T. Strong J. W. of the same Lodge.
It will be clearly seen from this record when the two first Lodges
were organized in Iowa and when they received their Charters.
The Grand Lodge held two annual communications in Iowa, 1872
and 1881, both at Keokuk,
Iowa Masons were held in high esteem and many were selected to
fill important stations in the Grand Lodge. The following Iowa
Masons were honored with elective offices:
Grand Master, Alexander Clark Muscatine, 1870, 71, 74, 75,

76.
Deputy Grand Master, Alexander Clark, 1867;Wm. A. Dove,
29
Keokuk, 1869; York E. Anderson, Keokuk, 1872; A. A.

Bland, Keokuk, 1877.
Senior Grand Warden, Alfred Harris, Keokuk 1882; John
Sims, Oskaloosa, 1883
Junior Grand Warden, Wm. A. Dove, Keokuk, 1867; York E.
Anderson, 1870; A. A. Bland, Keokuk, 1879.
Grand Treasurer, Alexander Clark, 1868.
Grand Secretary, Geo. W. Guy, Keokuk, 1870, 71, 73, 74;
Alexander Clark, 1872.
Following are the elective Grand Officers and the time and place of
holding the Grand Lodge while exercising jurisdiction in Iowa:
The first communication was held in the city of St. Louis,
Missouri, commencing December 20th, 1866. Grand Officers present:
H. McGee Alexander, G. Master Moses Dickson, G.

Lecturer
John Sexton, G. S. Warden Sam Livingston, G. Chaplain
George Phillips, G. J. Warden E. S. Woodson, G. M. of
Ceremonies
W. P. Brooks, G. Treasurer Henry Turner, G. Marshal
Wm. Robertson, G. Secretary J. P. Richard,, G. Sword
Bearer
Albert Essex, G. S. Deacon Henry Lewis, G. S. Steward
Edward Butler, G. J. Deacon W. J. Burk, G. J. Steward
The first annual communication was held in the city of St. Louis,
commencing June 8th, 1867. Grand officers present:
H. McGee Alexander, G. Master James Davis, G. Treasurer,

John Sexton, G.S. Warden (Pro Tem.)
George Phillips, G.J. Warden Wm. Robertson, G. Secretary
Members of Grand Lodge, eighteen.
The second annual session convened in the city of St. Louis, Mo.,
June 17th, 1868. Grand officers present:
Alexander Clark, D. Grand Master Jas. R. Davis,, S. G. Warden
acting Grand Master. Grand John Sexton, J. G. Warden,
Master H. McGee Alexander (Pro Tem.)
having died April 20, 1868. Wm. P. Brooks, G. Treasurer
Moses Dickson, D. G. Master, Robert 0. Smith, G. Secretary
(Pro Tem.)
30
The third annual session convened in the city of St. Louis, Mo.,
the first Monday in June, 1869. Grand officers present:
Moses Dickson, G. Master Wm. Roberson, J. G. Warden

W. P. Brooks, D. G. Master Alex. Clark, G. Treasurer
Francis Roberson, S. G. Warden Rohr. 0. Smith, G. Secretary
The fourth annual communication convened in Hannibal, Mo., July

4th, 1870. Grand officers present:
Alexander Clark, G. Master J. W. Braxton, J. G. Warden

W. A. Dove. D. G. Master (Pro Tem.)
G. W. Guy, S. G. Warden, Robt. 0. Smith, C. Secretary
(Pro Tem.) W. P. Brooks, C. Treasurer
Past Grand officers present:
Moses Dickson, W. R. Lawton, Past Grand Master; J. M. M.

Stokes, Past Senior Grand Warden; J. W. Hughes, Past Junior
Grand Warden.
The fifth annual communication convened in Memphis, Tenn., July

3d, 1871. Grand officers present:
Alexander Clark, C. Master A. Bostic, J. G. Warden (Pro.

W. R. Lawton, D. G. Master Tem)
W. P. Brooks, G. Treasurer J. P. Pritchard, S. G. Warden
G. W. Guy, G. Secretary
At the close of the installation exercises, Hon. W. H. Gray, of J. M.

Alexander Lodge No. 4, located at Helena, Arkansas, in behalf of Bro.
John Boyd, of King Solomon Lodge No. 20 at Memphis, Tennessee,
and the members of J. Q. Johnson Lodge No. 30, at St. Louis,
Missouri, presented M. W. Bro. Alexander Clark a fine gold-headed
cane, the wood for which had been cut on Lookout Mountain in
Tennessee, in token of their brotherly love and esteem for him as
Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons for Missouri and
jurisdiction. That cane is now in possession of his son A. G. Clark.
The sixth annual communication convened in Keokuk, Iowa, July 1st,

1872. Grand officers present:
Alexander Clark, G. Master A. Essex, G. J. Warden

J. P. Pritchard, D. G. Master C. Pettiford, G. Treasurer.
J. K. Hilyard, S. G. Warden (Pro Tem.)
G. W. Guy, G. Secretary
31
The seventh annual communication convened in Independence, Mo.,

July 1st, 1873. Grand officers present:
W. R. Lawton, G. Master J. W. Huges, J. G. Warden

York Anderson, D. G. Master J. G. Bruce, G. Treasurer
J. W. Braxton, S. C. Warden A. Clark, C. Secretary
The eighth annual communication convened in Jefferson City,

Mo., July 17th, 1874. Grand officers present:
W. R. Lawton, G. Master J. W. Hughes, J. G. Warden

J. W. Braxton, D. G. Master J. G. Bruce, G. Treasurer
J. J. Pettiford, S. C. Warden G. W. Guy, G. Treasure
Past grand officers present:
Brothers Moses Dickson, Alexander Clark, William Brooks,

W. N. Brent.
The ninth annual communication convened in Columbia, Mo.,

July 6th 1875. Grand officers present:
Alexander Clark, G. Master P. A. Hubbard, J. G. Warden
W. B. Ousley, D. G. Master W. N. Brent, G. Treasurer
L. S. Fisher, S. G. Warden G. W. Guy, C. Secretary
The tenth annual communication convened in St. Louis, Mo.,

August 15, 1876. In the absence of Grand Master Alexander Clark,
Brother Moses Dickson acted as Grand Master. A dispatch was
received from Grand Master Alexander Clark, announcing his
unexpected detention at Rock Island, that he would arrive at eight
o'clock P. M., and requested that the Grand Lodge be called off until
that hour. Called off. Grand officers present:
Alexander Clark, G. Master J. Lange, J. G. Warden

W. A. Dove, D. G. Master J. J. Bruce, G. Treasurer
S. Fisher, S. G. Warden W. N. Brent, G. Secretary
The eleventh annual communication convened in St. Joseph, Mo.,

beginning August 21st, 1877. Grand officers present:
Alexander Clark, G. Master Geo. W. Dupee, J. G. Warden

J. M. M. Stokes, D. G. Master A. Hubbard, G. Treasurer
H. H. Jones, S. G. Warden W. N. Brent, G. Secretary
32
The Twelfth annual communication convened in Sedalia, Mo.

commencing August 20th, 1878. Grand officers present:
M. Dickson, G. Master C. H. Williams, C. J. Warden

A. Bland, D. G. Master J. J. Bruce, G. Treasurer
J. F. Abbey, G. S. Warden W. N. Brent, G. Secretary
The thirteenth annual communication convened in Macon City,

Mo., beginning August 19th, 1879. Grand officers present:
W. N. Brent, G. Master A. Bland, J. G. Warden

J. N. Wheeler, D. G. Master J. J. Bruce, G. Treasurer
T. A. Head, S. G. Warden R. 0. Smith, G. Secretary
The fourteenth annual communication convened in Hannibal, Mo.,

beginning August 17th, 1880. Grand officers present:
W. N. Brent, G. Master A. B. Goodwin, J. G. Warden
A. Hubbard, D. G. Master J. J. Bruce, G. Treasurer
A. R. Chinn, S. G. Warden R. 0. Smith, G. Secretary
The fifteenth annual communication convened in Kansas City, Mo.
W. N. Brent, G. Master J. J. Bruce, G. Treasurer
A. R. Chinn, D. G. Master R. 0. Smith, G. Secretary
C. H. Williams, S. G. Warden
Past Grand Masters present: M. Dickson, A. Clark, W. R.

Lawton.
The sixteenth annual communication convened in Keokuk, Iowa,
beginning August 17th 1882. Grand officers present:
W. M. Brent, G. Master W. H. Jones, G. J. Warden

J. M. M. Stokes, D. G. Master J. J. Bruce, G. Treasurer
C. C. Owens, G. S. Warden R. 0. Smith, G. Secretary
Past Grand Masters present: Moses Dickson, W. R. Lawton,

Alexander Clark.
The seventeenth annual communication convened in St. Joseph,

Mo., beginning August 16th, 1881. Grand officers present:
R. 0. Smith, G. Master J. J. Bruce, G. Treasurer

J. C. C. Owens, D. G. Master W. N. Brent, G. Secretary
33
J. Turner, J. G. Warden
Past Grand Masters present: Moses Dickson, Alex. Clark, W. N.

Brent.
The eighteenth annual communication convened in Sedalia, Mo.,

R. 0. Smith, G. Master S. Bruce, J. G. Warden

W. H. Jones, D. G. Master J. J. Bruce, G. Treasurer
John Simms, S. G. Warden J. H. Pelham, G. Secretary
Past Grand Masters present: W. R. Lawton, Alex Clark
Following is a list of the Lodges organized in Iowa by the Grand

Lodge of Missouri, with their charter members:
I
CLARK LODGE No. 6, MUSCATINE
This Lodge was organized in Muscatine, August 6, 1866, by R. W.

Bro. Moses Dickson, Grand Lecturer, and received its Charter from
the Grand Lodge December 21, 1866.
Charter Members.
Alexander Clark, W. M. A. W. Carter, S. D.

J. P. Pritchard, S. W. A. Redman, J. D.
George Manley, J. S. Charles Lindsey, S. S.
Benj. Mathews, Treasurer James Cook, Tyler
Geo. W. Black, Secretary
Members: J. Rease, C. Montgomery, B. Taylor.
All the members were residents of Muscatine, except Geo. W.

Black and A. W. Carter, who resided in Washington. It was in this
Lodge that the writer received his first introduction to Masonry. It
was entirely operative, however, and consisted in assisting his Father
to carry some of the furnishings for the Lodge up into the room
where they were set up.
YORK LODGE NO. 8, KEOKUK
Organized October 11, 1866, by Grand Lecturer Moses Dickson.

Warranted June 20, 1867.
34
Charter Members.
W. A. Dove, W. M. George Bland, S. D.

David Lawrence, S. W. Henry Triplet, J. D.
Aug. B. Story, J. W. Sike Fox, S. S.
C. Logan, Treasurer Ward Story, J. S.
York Anderson, Secretary Chas. Osborn, Tyler
Members: Martin Bland, Henry DePugh, Ed Poindexter,

Gilbert Phelps, James Brown, J. F. Jordan, Addison Morris.
NORTH STAR LODGE NO. 11, DES MOINES
Organized October 6, 1870, by Grand Master Alexander Clark.

Warranted July 4, 1870.
Charter Members.
W. Carter, W. M. S. B. Smith, J. W.
S. Carter, S. W. A. Brown, Treasurer
S. W. Birney, Secretary
Members: Peter Bell, 0. Carter, Geo. Carter, T. L. Carter,

Edward Davidson, Harrison Deberg, Martin Essex, Jefferson
Logan, Geo. Poindexter, Samuel Sikes.
One of the charter members of this Lodge is still living, although

not identified with Masonry, Samuel Sikes, Fairfield, Iowa.
Grand Master Clark, in referring to his visit to this Lodge in his

annual address for 1875, thought proper to insert the following
notice from the Iowa State Register of June 24, 1875:
YORK MASONRY: This evening there is to be a public

installation of the officers of North Star Lodge, York Masons,
followed by a festival in the lodge room on Court Avenue.
Alexander Clark, Grand Master, will appear as installing
officer. The lodge room has been furnished and in a manner
extremely creditable to the members of the organization.
The floor is covered with an elegant in-grain carpet of the
best manufacture. The officers' stations are of oiled walnut
and the room is lighted with an expensive and handsome
chandelier. The ante-rooms and halls leading thereto are
similarly lighted. The traditional 'pillars' are elegant
35
specimens of carving and gilt costing $40.00; they are said to

be the finest in the State.
SUMNER LODGE, NO. 41, BURLINGTON
Organized June 1874, by W. R. Lawton, Grand Master.

Warranted July 11, 1875.
Charter Members.
John Brooks, W. M. M. F. Banks, J. W.

E. Ridlie, S. W.
SIMS LODGE, NO. 50, OSKALOOSA
Organized November 16, 1875, by Alexander Clark, Grand Master.

Warranted August 16, 1876
Charter Members.
John Sims, W. M. Hobert A. Armstrong, J. W.

Joseph Jammison, S. W. Jerry Watson, Treasurer
Members: J. F. Bush, Byron Owens, Peter Ringo, F. J.

Marshall, John Williams, Chas. Johnson, George Turpin,
Lewis Day, Burtin Dimmit, Mumford Rollins.
Two of the charter members of this Lodge are still living, John
Sims, Washington, D. C., and Hobart A. Armstrong, Buxton, Monroe
County, Iowa. Neither are identified with Masonry at this time. Mr.
Armstrong is, without a doubt, the wealthiest Negro in the State of
Iowa, owning over 2000 acres of the best Iowa land.
STAR LODGE, NO. 51, KEOKUK

Organized December 29, 1879
Charter Members.
Syke Fox, W. M. Chas. Hackett, J, W.

Alfred Harris, S. W. W. H. Jones, Treasurer
J. E. Gillam, Secretary
Members: James Miles, W. Williams, S. Harris, C. Logan,

C. Davis, J. Clark, R. Chryst, H. J. Vaughn, C. Aldin, E. Carrell,
36
J. Boymean, G. Bannister, A. Wilburn, G. Wilson, J. Benton,

S. C. Harris, F. Dunkerson, W. Hampton, N. Wear, W.
Dickson, D. Fox, G. Kendrick, C. Hunt, J. Glens, M.
Alexander, N. Muller, S. Dickson, J. P. Anderson, J. Marriot,
J. Harris.
This Lodge was formed largely out of demitted members of York

Lodge No. 8.
MITCHELL LODGE, NO 58, CORNING

Organized ?? by Alexander Clark, Grand Master
Warranted August 17,1876
It made its last report to the Grand
Lodge in 1880 and was dropped from the roster.
Charter Members.
N. S. Mitchell, W. M. Chas. Mason, J. W.

Wm. Smith, S. W. John Howe, Treasurer
Chas. Roundtree, Secretary
Members: Harrison Vennable, James Stewart, Wm.

Crawford, Henry Webb, Levi Broomfield.
REED LODGE, NO. 79, RED OAK
Organized January IS, 1878, by Grand Master Moses Dickson

Charter Members.
Nathan Dorsett, W. M. John Reed, J. W.

Anderson Bracken, S. W. Spencer Reed, Treasurer
David Harris, Secretary
Members: Henry Marley, Joseph Bolden, Henry James, G.

W. Woodward, J. H. Mason, Walter Young.
GOLDEN STAR, NO. 80, OTTUMWA
Organized April 18, 1878, by Moses Dickson, Grand Master

Warranted August 21, 1878.
Charter Members.
Enoch Shaw, W. M. Zachariah Taylor, J. W.

37
Oscar Conners, S. W. Peter Holmes, Treasurer

Wells Fowler, Secretary
Members: M. C. Thomson, Gust Moore, John Harris,

Essex Horne, Chris Harris, Wesley Lee, James Parkerson,
John Pearsons, Jordon Payne, Wm. Hutchinson, Prentiss
Green, Chas. White, Stephen Green, Chas. Moss, James
Campbell, Sylvester Lee, Benj. Summitt, Chas. Lewis, Geo.
Gable.
MOUNT OLIVE LODGE, NO. 86, CEDAR RAPIDS
Organized June 5, 1878, by Grand Master Moses Dickson.

Warranted August 19, 1879.
Charter Members.
C. S. Gomer, W. M. E. C. Thomas, J. W.
Rev. Andrew Ford, S. W. R. Comer, Treasurer
A. A. Pierce, Secretary
Members: Wm. O'Brine, Wm. Johnson, Wm. 0. Cryn,

Peter Johnson, N. Johnson, T. R. Van Pelt, Peter Galloway,
Wm. Rasberry, Green Butler, Samuel Hutchinson
JOHN G. JONES LODGE, No. 91, COUNCIL BLUFFS
Organized April 27, 1878, by Grand Master Dickson.

Warranted August ??
Charter Members.
Chas. Haley, W. M. John A. Richardson, J. W.

Geo. W. Wesley, S. W. B. H. Warner, Treasurer
M. C. C. Johnson, Secretary
Members: Rev. C. W. Newton, P. Jackson, W. H. Harrison,

P. C. Phillips, Benj. Owens, Frank Bellamey, Chas Scantlan.
C. R. COLEMAN LODGE, NO. 101 BOONSBOROUGH
Organized February 13, 1880, by Willis N. Brent, Grand Master.

Warranted August 17, 1880. Surrendered warrant August 21, 1880
Charter Members.
38
Stephen Alexander, W. M. Robert H. Coates, J. W.

W. W. Harper, S. W. Geo. Steel, Treasurer
Wm. Kennie, Secretary
Members: Geo. F., Pollard, Geo. H. Hughes, Lewis

Williams, H. C. Bunte, Andrew McGee, John Brown, Wm.
McKerney, Albert McGee, Frank Hayden, Chas. Reed, Mack
Saunders.
In reporting the surrender of the charter of this lodge, Grand

Secretary Willis N. Brent gives a little history of this organization. He
says:
Coleman Lodge, No. 101, Boonsborough, Iowa, by

unanimous vote, decided to surrender its charter. The
causes are few and there was perfect harmony.
Boonsborough is a coal mining station. Several years ago
several hundred colored miners were attracted by the
splendid prospects and, for a time, there was general
prosperity. The strata became unproductive and many men
were discharged and some retained under reduced wages
and reduced hours of labor. Removals then commenced and
have been continued. The lodge was opened February 13,
1880, with 30 members, by our Worthy Bro. C. R. Coleman
and has ever since profited by his knowledge and experience.
Their number was finally reduced to seven and on the eve of
his removal he applied for his demit and they determined to
close up as no other course was left them. By direction of
the Grand Master certificates were issued to all of them, and
wherever destiny may lead them within this jurisdiction, we
bespeak for them a cordial welcome.
It is well known to many Iowa Masons that members of this lodge

settled in Mahaska County and were employed in the mines at
Muchakinock.
Several placed their demits in Sims Lodge, No. 50, while others
were instrumental in the organization of Cedar Grove Lodge at
Muchakinock.
NEWTON LODGE, U. D., NEWTON
Organized June 27, 1882, by Robert 0. Smith, Grand Master

39
Newton Lodge was never warranted by the Grand Lodge of

Missouri. In speaking of its determination to change its affiliation,
the Grand Secretary, Willis N. Brent, has the following statement in
the 1883 Missouri proceedings:
Newton Lodge at Newton, Jasper County, organized June

27,1882, with seventeen members, by its own action June 11,
1883 transferred its allegiance to the African Grand Lodge of
Iowa. Demits were issued to those who asked for them. This
action is not unexpected for we hold that all allegiance with
Lodge or Grand Lodge is voluntary and we shall bid the
members under the allegiance of this Grand Lodge in Iowa
Godspeed, whenever in their judgment their best interests
seem to demand. Our best wishes attend them whether they
go into the Grand Lodge of Iowa or the African Grand Lodge
of Iowa, the distinction may be only in name. We took our
obligations to Masons in a "regularly constituted lodge."
Beyond these we acknowledge no limitations. The "Iowa"
matter is a simple problem. Neither the sharp "practices" of
attorneys, to use Bro. Moore's expression, nor a cloud of
witnesses, are needed. Let there be an honest and square
deal between the Iowa Masons themselves and the several
questions will be adjusted, the interests of Missouri
protected. Let our policy toward Iowa be one of masterly
inactivity.
GARFIELD LODGE, U. D., CENTERVILLE
Organized by Amos Johnson, D. D. G. M., under dispensation

from Robert 0. Smith, Grand Master, January 11, 1883.
Charter Members.
J. H. Bundy, W. M. Will. Powell, S. W.

Chas. Crowley, J. W.
This Lodge was never warranted. It paid $30.00 into the Grand
Lodge for its dispensation, but never functioned as a Lodge
afterwards,
CEDAR GROVE LODGE, U. D., MUCHAKINOCK
Organized by Alexander Clark and L. H. Reynolds under dis-

pensation from Robert 0. Smith, Grand Master, in ?? 1884.
Warranted by Hiram Grand Lodge August 26, 1884.
40
Charter Members.
W. R. Larcy, W. M. J. S. Martin, S. D.
R. S. Brown, S. W. John Green, J. D.
J. T. Cannaday, J. W. C. Ayers, S. S.
C. W. Tyler, Treasurer J. Lee, J. S.
J. H. Lewis, Secretary T. A. Coalman, Chaplain
J. Thurman, Tyler
41
CHAPTER 3
AFRICAN GRAND LODGE
It is difficult at this time to determine when the agitation for the

establishment of a Grand Lodge in Iowa first began. It is known,
however, that the question was being discussed among some of the
prominent Masons both in Iowa and Missouri several years before
any attempt at organization was begun. That the sentiment was
growing stronger and making an impression upon the officials of the
Grand Lodge of Missouri is evidenced by the fact that Grand Master
Moses Dickson, after having visited the Lodges in Iowa in 1878, felt
constrained to not only take notice of it but to give it his
endorsement in his annual address to the Grand Lodge at the Annual
Communication held in Sedalia August 20, 1878. Under the heading,
"A Grand Lodge," he said.
In my visit thru Iowa I found a desire among some of the

Lodges and many of the leading Masons to erect a Grand
Lodge. I felt it my duty to encourage the idea for I believe a
Grand Lodge in the State of Iowa will materially strengthen
Masonry among colored men in the West, and Iowa has a
sufficient number of Lodges to open a strong Grand Lodge.
No better material is to be found than we have in some of
these Lodges.
One might ask, why look forward for a reason why Iowa should
have a Grand Lodge? Ambitions, no doubt, there were, and
disappointments, too. But the majority of the proponents of an Iowa
Grand Lodge were largely influenced by the conditions as stated by
Grand Master Dickson.
But there was a strong opposition to the movement, and Grand
Master Dickson's endorsement, while it encouraged its friends,
awakened its opponents to a more intelligent and organized
opposition. The Committee on Grand Master's address evidently, or
at least, made no mention of it. Nor do the Minutes show that it was
discussed on the floor of the Grand Lodge. A study, however, of the
election results would indicate that something was needed to
appease the Iowa brethren. Iowa had but three representatives in
that session of the Grand Lodge. York Lodge No. 8 was represented
by its Worshipful Master, Bro. Orange Field, Deputy Grand Master,
Bro. Austin A. Bland, and Past Grand Master, Bro. Alexander Clark
who was Grand Lecturer. The officers of Reed Lodge U. D. at Red Oak
and Golden Star Lodge U. D. at Ottumwa were installed during the
42
session, but are listed as U. D. Lodges in the Report of the

Committee on Credentials. Bro. Bland was elected Jr. Grand Warden,
Bro. Alexander Clark reappointed Grand Lecturer, and Bro. Field
appointed Grand Standard Bearer. Grand Master Dickson failed for re-
election and Past Grand Secretary Willis N. Brent was elected by a
large majority to succeed him. On the question of an Iowa Grand
Lodge, the new Grand Master and Bro. Clark were known to be
opposed to it, while Bro. Bland and Bro. Field were favorable to it.
The first year (1878-9) of Grand Master Brent's administration
passed without any important developments in Iowa Masonry. No
lodges were organized during the year and no effort was made to
organize a Grand Lodge. The sentiment, however, in favor of action
was becoming more general and was being discussed very generally
among Masons in Des Moines, Ottumwa, Burlington, and Keokuk.
The 1879 Session was held at Macon, Missouri, August 19th to
22nd. Iowa Lodges were represented by P. G. M. Alexander Clark, G.
L.; Austin A. Bland, J. G. W.; Clark Lodge No. 6 by Geo. W. Black W.
M.; York Lodge by Syke Fox, W. M.; Bro. John Page. P. W. M. of North
Star Lodge, held proxies for North Star and Reed Lodges; Bro. Clark
held proxies for Sims No. 50, Mitchell No. 58, and Golden Star No. 80;
A. A. Bland proxies for Sumner No. 41. This was considered a very
creditable representation of Iowa Lodges, and in the Committee
assignments it was recognized by the appointment of Bro. Clark as
Chairman of the Committee on Masonic Jurisprudence and Bro. Page
Chairman of the Finance Committee. But in the election of officers,
Iowa members did not fare so well. Grand Master Brent was a
candidate for re-election and Past Grand Master Clark was nominated
by Pritchard Lodge of Kansas City to oppose him. Brent was elected
by 308 to Clark's 185--Brent's majority 133. Neither of the candidates
was regarded as friendly to the move. No Iowa Mason, however, was
put in nomination for an elective office and only Bro. Bland received
an appointment--that of Grand Marshall.
It is needless to say that this treatment did not please the Iowa
members and on their return to their homes the agitation for a Grand
Lodge became stronger and more widespread. In fact, it became so
strong that by December of that year the opposition, led by Past
Master Clark, realized that steps must be taken to checkmate its
influence and the following communication was prepared and sent to
all Lodges:
FACTS FOR IOWA MASONS OF COLOR
BE NOT DECEIVED
MUSCATINE, IOWA, Dec. 5,1879
43
Worshipful Masters, Wardens, and Brethren of the

Subordinate Lodges of Iowa, working under the Jurisdiction
of Missouri Lodge:
DEAR BRETHREN: After my kind regards, permit me in that

new name, which all true Masons have received, to caution
you against a scheme for a Grand Lodge for Iowa which is
being pressed and put forward by a few ambitious,
disappointed office-seeking Masons of St. Louis, aided and
abetted by a few ambitious, unthinking Masons of Iowa.
Now, brethren, I am opposed to the organization of a Grand
Lodge for Iowa, as every thinking Mason must be, because
we are not able to support one, and without any argument
on my part, I submit the simple facts for your calm
consideration, viz.
Now, it is true we have ten (10) lodges, but the
membership of these ten (10) lodges is only one hundred
and forty (140), which is but an average membership of two
ordinary lodges, or fourteen members to each lodge, with
little or no timber to increase from. Now these ten lodges
are paying on an average $60 per year room rent, which
amounts to $600, and for fuel, light, stationery and Tyler, an
average fee of $20 per month, making $200 more, or $800 in
round numbers. Now eight of these ten lodges are poorly
furnished, and will require from $100 to $200 each to furnish
them with Masonic furniture, working tools, jewels and
clothing, to make them respectable and worthy of the name
of a blue lodge of F. A. A. M.
Now in the face of these facts and expenses, we, the 140
Masons of Iowa, are asked by unthinking men to increase
our expenses, by forming a new Grand Lodge, the expense of
which will be as follows:
For Grand Secretary Salary, per year --------------------- $100.00

Grand Lodge stationery --------------------------------------- 10.00
Grand Master's stationery --- ------------------------------- 10.00
Grand Officer's traveling expenses to and from
Grand Session ------------------------------------------------- 70.00
Committee on Foreign Correspondence --------------- 50.00
Printing Grand Lodge Proceedings ----------------------- 200.00
________
Making a total of -------------------------------------------------- $440.00
44
Now where is the $440 to come from? Well, for the first
year each lodge would have to pay $25 for a warrant. This
would give $250; that would leave each lodge taxed $19; this
would be $190; and that would make the $440.
But what about the next year? Of course a direct tax of
$30 or $40 per each lodge. Now, I say we cannot pay this
enormous tax to meet this expense. Clark Lodge, No. 6, by
resolution, declares it; the two lodges in Minnesota will not
go with it, we have no timber--no territory to increase our
number or our jurisdiction. Illinois, Nebraska, and Colorado,
each have a Grand Lodge, covering all the territory around
us.
The scheme is unwise and incompatible with the
interests of Craft Masonry. Now we are members of the
largest and ablest Grand Lodge (colored) in the United
States, and are paying the small sum of twenty-five cents per
member, yearly Grand Lodge dues; this amounts to $35 per
year instead of $440, which we will be compelled to pay
under the proposed new Grand Lodge, which must, of
course, be small and insignificant. I say: reason, justice and
common sense say we will remain under our well
established Grand Lodge for the present, and by economy
accumulate means to furnish our lodge rooms, and a fund to
care for our sick and disabled Masons, their wives, widows
and orphans, and be able to bury them when dead, etc. Let
each lodge send her W. M. in person to our next Grand
Session at Hannibal, and we will talk together. I am,
Fraternally yours,
ALEXANDER CLARK,
Past Grand Master, Grand Lodge of Missouri.
Please read this in open lodge."
What effect this appeal had upon Iowa Masons can only be judged
by some of the more important actions that followed. It is evident
that it gave both sides a concrete proposition for debate and created
much discontent and dissatisfaction in many of the lodges. The first
open break came when York Lodge, No. 8, of Keokuk, sought to
surrender its warrant. The only record of this procedure on the part
of York Lodge that the writer has been able to find, is contained in
the Report of Grand Master Brent to the Grand Lodge at Hannibal in
August 1880. Under a sub-head, "Surrender of Charter--York Lodge,"
he said:
On the 8th of December, 1879, I received a petition from

York Lodge, No. 8, located at Keokuk, Iowa, requesting to be
45
allowed to surrender its Charter, said petition having the

names of fourteen members signed thereto, being in regular
form and having all external evidence of being the regular
and spontaneous action of the Lodge; there being at the
time eighteen members of the Lodge, fourteen of whom had
united in said petition. Accompanying the petition was the
Charter and Inventory of the said Lodge, and duly executed
receipt for the property. In one week from time of said
action and surrender of said property, a protest was received
from the minority members of said Lodge, on the right of
said action, numbering four persons, and now, by
persuasion, personal appeals and misrepresentation,
increased to seven or eight. The protest was duly
considered, and by request I visited a meeting of the Lodge
on the 26th of December, attended by almost the entire
membership of said Lodge and sat until two A.M., in the
hearing of the case and investigation of its affairs. Its
condition was indeed deplorable. Discord and anarchy
reigned. The W. M.--a man remarkable for his clemency--
though sustained by the majority of the Lodge, was utterly
powerless to assert the authority of his office, and it seemed
for a time that it would become necessary to declare its
Charter under arrest, with all of the consequences which
such action involved.
Upon a careful and exhaustive examination of the case I
sustained the protest of the minority and decided that the
Charter had not been properly surrendered, said objection
resting upon one allegation only, viz. that proper notice of
intention to take action upon the propriety of surrendering
the Charter had not been furnished non-resident members.
Then the sole question of Charter was duly considered,
and upon certain concessions and guarantees for the future,
I decided to return said Charter, which had been, as stated,
in my custody during the examination, and was done by my
order, and all property of said York Lodge placed in
possession of the minority, January 22nd, 1880. It is proper
that every appearance of insubordination and disregard of
duly constituted authority should be promptly rebuked, and
it remains for the Grand Lodge to take such action as in the
premises it deems best, and I recommend that the Lodge be
censured and debarred from further participation in the
deliberations of this session for violations of law and
disregard of the regulations of the Order."
46
In this report, however, the Grand Master does not mention the
fact that on December 26th, three days after his visit to York Lodge
and before he had returned its warrant, he had organized a Lodge in
Keokuk which was warranted as Star Lodge, No. 51. This fact will
explain to some degree the condition as stated by him in his report
of York Lodge in 1881.
The Committee on Grand Master's Address reported on the
matter as follows:
So much as relates to the surrender of the charter of

York Lodge should be referred to a special committee, and
inasmuch as there appears to be illegalities which we, your
committee, fail to see, we further recommend that York
Lodge be debarred from any further participation in the
Grand Lodge until the matter be satisfactorily disposed of by
the Grand Lodge.
On page 50 we find the following statement:
In the matter of York Lodge, a special committee,

consisting of Bros. J. G. Pettiford, G. W. Black and Wm.
Jackson was appointed, with power to send for persons and
papers. On motion of Bro. J. G. Pettiford the committee was
discharged without report, and the subject deferred for
consideration in open Grand Lodge.
On page 5 the following action was had:
The matter of the surrender of the Charter of York Lodge

No. 8, Keokuk, Iowa, was next considered. Time was
extended thirty minutes, fifteen minutes and five minutes,
successively; and after much discussion it being made to
appear that York Lodge was in a state of contumely, and
that our M. W. Grand Lodge was sorely aggrieved by the
indignity and insult to which our Grand Master was
subjected within said York Lodge, it was ordered that the
said York Lodge, No. 8, be placed under the censure of the
M. W. Grand Lodge, and debarred from any further
participation in the Grand Lodge during its will and
pleasure.
This was the status of York Lodge in the Grand Lodge of Missouri
from August 19, 1880, until August 16, 1881. In that the Grand Master
called the Grand Lodge's attention to York in the following
statement:
47
York Lodge
In my report of last year your attention was called to the

condition and action of this Lodge. On page 53, (Proceedings
of 1880) your action is thus reported:
The matter of the surrender of the Charter of York

Lodge No. 8, Keokuk, Iowa, next considered. Time
extended thirty minutes, fifteen minutes and five
minutes, successively; and after much discussion, it
being made to appear that York Lodge was in a state of
contumely, and that our M. W. Grand Lodge was sorely
aggrieved by the indignity and insult to which our Grand
Master was subjected with the said York Lodge, it was
ordered that the said York Lodge No. 8, be placed under
the censure of the M. W. Grand Lodge, and debarred
from any further participation in the Grand Lodge during
its will and pleasure.
The sentence of censure and debarment have not been

removed, although the Lodge has continued to exercise its
functions during thee year.
Many complaints and charges, have been made by the
officers and members of Star Lodge, Keokuk, alleging that,
three members of York Lodge, and through the said Lodge
was guilty of seeking to alienate the Lodges in Iowa from
their relation to this Grand Lodge. That said men called a
convention to meet in Des Moines, December 25, to organize
a Grand Lodge for Iowa. Said convention was held, but a
majority of Lodges through their representatives were
opposed to the movement, and the convention then voted
its condemnation of the measure and adjourned. Bros.
Bland, Fields and Bettis, called another convention at
Keokuk, August 10, 1881, but the result has not yet been
reported to me.
I am in receipt of many letters, appeals and telegrams
requesting my presence, protection and intervention. I have
studiously refrained from connection with said movements
except so far as the honor of this Grand Lodge and interest
of its constituents in Iowa required--all of the facts are
attested by the communications of D. D. P. G. Master
Alexander Clark whose absence in Europe robs the case of
much of its interest. From evidence and the papers
submitted there is undoubted revolution and attempted
48
renunciation of Masonic allegiance by the three men

mentioned and through them the members of York Lodge.
Arrest of warrant seems the only course left, and I have
purposely deferred to your judgment in this extremity.
Papers are herewith submitted.
The Committee on Grand Master's address, in its report on
Wednesday, August 17th, in reference to York Lodge, said:
So much as referred to York Lodge, we would

respectfully recommend that this Grand Lodge expel Austin
Bland, Orange Field and N. W. Bettis.
This report was "approved." If any further action was taken in the
Grand Lodge or any trial had in which these three members were
found guilty and expelled, there is no record made in the printed
proceedings. The Grand Lodge ever afterwards referred to them as
expelled Masons. York Lodge had been placed under censure by the
Grand Lodge, but at no time had its warrant been arrested by the
Grand Master or revoked by the Grand Lodge. That year it had paid
its Grand Lodge dues of $3.00 which had been accepted and reported
in the proceedings. It was in this condition when it had, nine days
before the 1881 session of the Grand Lodge, joined in organizing
African Grand Lodge of Iowa. The standing of this Lodge was made
one of the grounds for refusing to recognize African Grand Lodge.
Two unsuccessful attempts were made to organize a Grand Lodge
for Iowa in the fall of 1880. The first was a call for a convention in Des
Moines for October 12, which was adjourned to meet at Ottumwa
December 20, 1880. There is no attested report to be found in any of
the printed proceedings of what action was taken at either of these
meetings. The best statement of what transpired is one made by Bro.
A. A. Bland in his report on Foreign Correspondence, printed in the
1883 proceedings of African Grand Lodge, which is believed to be
substantially correct and says:
The African Grand Lodge of Iowa must be the'thorn in

the flesh to the Grand Lodge of Missouri, that being
counted one of the strongholds of Iowa.
The move was hotly opposed by many of Missouri's leading men, but
in this, as in many other cases, the wrong was triumphant, and out
of it grew quite a number of unpleasant circumstances.
The next move was to attach the property of York Lodge, located
at Keokuk, Iowa. Attorneys were employed to prosecute the case, but
on investigation they found that the Grand Lodge of Missouri could
hold no claim against York Lodge, she belonging to the African
49
Grand Lodge of Iowa. That attachment, therefore, was never served.

The attorneys, however, presented their compliments in the shape of
a bill for $40, which was duly paid. See page 92 of their proceedings
for 1882.
The Grand Master (Brent), claims in his address that York Lodge
was under censure at the time she took part in the organization of
the African Grand Lodge of Iowa. In reply, we would say York Lodge
worked regularly under the Grand Lodge of Missouri for one year
after the vote of censure (which was at first for the remainder of the
session; afterwards altered to suit certain parties) having charge of
her (York Lodge) warrant, and paid up all dues and returned the
warrant to Missouri with a letter stating the reasons for so doing.
He also states that out of twelve lodges represented at Des
Moines, eight were opposed to the organization. Truth would have
made him say that nine were in favor of Organizing and three were
opposed to it, two of which were represented by Alexander Clark,
who came with the full intention to break up the project. He
persuaded one more lodge to his side, namely Sims No. 50. Finding
himself still powerless, he proposed a compromise, offering to let
the new Grand Lodge have $200 if they would wait one year until he
accomplished something he had in mind in connection with his trip
to Europe to the Ecumenical council, fearing, we suppose, that if he
went into the Grand Lodge of little Iowa it might detract from his
honors that he would get as a representative of the Grand Lodge of
big Missouri, or perhaps defeat some of his plans. The proposition
was in part accepted, the objectionable part being that the time was
too long; so we adjourned to meet in Ottumwa, December 20, 1880.
The Grand Master's statement concerning the Ottumwa
convention is also untrue, for there were only six lodges present
when the convention was called. A. Clark came into the convention
and reported that he came clothed with power from the Grand
Master of Missouri to expel all of us if we dared attempt to organize.
To avoid trouble from that source a motion prevailed to adjourn,
to meet again at the call of the chairman.
After this was done, A. Clark claiming he had the proxies for
several lodges in his pocket, assumed the chair. He made a motion to
adjourn sine die, he seconded the motion, he then put the question
and it carried, for there was only one vote and voted that himself.
And now comes the all-absorbing question, that is, Brent's
Jurisprudence, that it takes a majority of all the lodges in a state to
organize a Grand Lodge. This differs very materially from Webb and
Mackey, and we were taught to consider them standard authority.
Of course, it was a well-known fact that Mr. Clark's mission to
England, of which Bro. Bland speaks, had no Masonic significance. He
went to London as a delegate from the general conference of the
50
African M. E. Church to the Ecumenical Conference of the Methodist

Church which met in London in September 1881.
It is reasonable to be believed that had the leaders accepted the
proposition made by Clark that he would have carried out his
promise and that a Grand Lodge would have been established in Iowa
and much of the dissatisfaction, confusion and rivalry that followed
the organization of African Grand Lodge and the organization of
Hiram Grand Lodge would have been avoided.
The only disagreement to be found in the statement made by Bro.
Bland is in regard to the Ottumwa convention. Did it adjourn sine die
or adjourn to meet at the call of the chairman? The latter
construction seems to have prevailed as it was made the basis of a
call for the convention which organized African Lodge.
The following report of the convention and of African Grand
Lodge is to be found in the printed proceeding of the organization of
the said Grand Lodge.
To all W. M.'s and Wardens and Brethren of Lodge No.

_____________
The time has come to take such measures as in your

judgment may seem best as to the Convention which was
called at Des Moines, October 12th, 1880, for the purpose of
organizing a Grand Lodge for the State of Iowa, and
adjourned to meet at Ottumwa, December 20, 1880, which
met on that day, and adjourned to meet at Keokuk, at the
call of the Chairman. I have therefore fixed the day and time
to meet in the city of Keokuk, Tuesday, August 9th 1881, at 2
o'clock P. M.
JOHN PAGE, Chairman
The above is a copy of a call which sent to the various lodges in

the State.
In response to the will of the Chairman the following lodges duly
represented, met in the City of Keokuk, August 9th, 1881: Sumner
Lodge, No, 41, Burlington, Iowa; John G. Jones Lodge, No. 91, Council
Bluffs, Iowa; Golden Star Lodge, No. 80, Ottumwa, Iowa; North Lodge,
No. 11, Des Moines, Iowa; York Lodge, No. 8, Keokuk, Iowa.
The convention was called to order by P. D. D. G. M., John Page,
Chairman. The Chairman read the call and stated the object of the
meeting briefly, after which G. H. Cleggett, of Des Moines, was
chosen Secretary, pro tem.
Brothers, C. W. Black, 0. Fields and A. A. Bland, committee on
credentials, made their report as follows.
51
We, your committee, beg leave to report the following

lodges legally represented. York Lodge, No. 9: North Star
Lodge, No. 31, Sumner Lodge, No. 41: Golden Star Lodge, No.
80; John G. Jones Lodge, No. 91.
The committee on resolutions, Orange Fields, John Williams, M. C.

Thompson, reported the following which was unanimously adopted.
WHEREAS, York Lodge, No. 8; North Star Lodge No. 31;

Sumner Lodge No. 41; Golden Star Lodge, No. 80 John G.
Jones Lodge, No. 91, Free and Accepted Masons, being met
in convention on the 9th day of August, A. D., 1881, A. L.
5881, believe it to be for the good of the craft, that a Grand
Lodge for the State of Iowa be established; therefore be it
Resolved, That as the representatives of the lodges

aforesaid, we do hereby organize ourselves into a Grand
Lodge for the State of Iowa.
Resolved, Further, that a notice of the proceedings of this

Grand Lodge be forwarded to all the Grand Lodges of the
known world, and that we do ask that we be recognized as a
Grand Lodge, and be duly welcomed into the brotherhood of
Grand Lodges.
A. A. Bland, John Brooks, 0. Fields, committee on nominations

which was appointed at a previous meeting, reported as follows:
"that in the judgment of this committee we refer the making of
nominations back to the convention. We recommend that the
convention take an informal ballot and the two highest in number of
votes, be the candidates for Grand Master."
On motion the report was approved and the committee
discharged.
The Chairman appointed Brothers Jas. Higgins Assistant Secretary.
The committee on credentials made the following partial report:
"We find here present twelve Past Masters, also the representatives
of five lodges, making a total of twenty-seven votes."
On motion of Brother W. H. Milligan, the report of the committee
was approved and the committee discharged.
In accordance with the recommendation of the committee on
nominations, the convention took an informal ballot for candidates
for G. M., which resulted as follows: A. A. Bland, 12 votes; John Page,
9 votes; John Brooks, 4 votes; Geo. W. Black, 2 votes; whole number
of votes cast, 27.
52
A. A. Bland and John Page having the highest number of votes,

were declared the candidates for G. M .
A ballot was then taken with the following result: John Page 20
votes, A. A. Bland 7 votes. On motion of Brother A. A, Bland, the
election of Brother John Page was made unanimous, and he was duly
declared Grand Master.
The election of Grand Officers was the continued order of
business.
Brothers Geo. W. Black, A. A. Bland, John Brooks and Orange
Fields were put in nomination for Deputy Grand Master. Brothers
Bland and Fields respectfully declined the nomination. The ballot was
taken with the following: John Brooks 15 votes, Brother Geo. W. Black
12 votes; Brother Brooks was duly elected D. G. M., and so declared.
Brother Geo. W. Black was put in nomination for the office of
Senior Grand Warden, also Brother M. C. Thomson for the same
office; Brother Thomson declined the nomination: Brother A. A.
Bland moved that the nomination of Brother Black be made
unanimous, and that the Secretary be instructed to cast the vote of
the convention for Geo. W. Black, for Senior Grand Warden, which
was accordingly done and duly declared.
The following brethren were elected by acclamation.
Brother M. C. Thomson for Junior Warden; Orange Fields for
Grand Treasurer; Brother A. A. Bland for Grand Secretary; Brother W.
H. Milligan for Grand Tyler.
The various committees having completed their work were
discharged and a lodge of Master Masons was opened in due and
ancient form. Rev. Brother T. L. Smith officiating at the altar. The
lodge was called from labor to refreshment to be called on at 8 P. M.,
for the installation of Grand Officers.
EVENING SESSION. The time being observed, the lodge was called
from refreshment to labor, Brother M. C. Thomson, acting Chaplain.
The following Grand Officers were then duly installed by R. W.
Brother A. A. Bland, P. D. G. M.
NAMES OF GRAND OFFICERS
M. W., John Page, Grand Master, Des Moines, Iowa

R. W., John Brooks, Deputy Grand Master, Burlington, Iowa
R. W., Geo. W. Black, Senior Grand Warden, Des Moines, Iowa
R. W., M. C. Thomson, Junior Grand Warden, Ottumwa, Iowa
R. W., Orange Fields, Grand Treasurer, Keokuk, Iowa
R. W., A. A. Bland, Grand Secretary, Keokuk, Iowa
W., J. E. Gillam, Grand Lecturer, Keokuk, Iowa
W., Jas. Higgins, Grand Chaplain, Burlington, Iowa
W., Geo. Bland, Grand Chaplain, Keokuk, Iowa
53
W., G. H. Cleggett, Grand Register, Des Moines, Iowa

W., T. R. Van Pelt, Grand Master of Ceremonies, Council
Bluffs, Iowa
W., C. W. Newton, Grand Marshall, Council Bluffs, Iowa.
W., P. Jackson, Grand Sword Bearer, Council Bluffs, Iowa
W., F. D. Bland, Grand Standard Bearer, Keokuk, Iowa
W., John Williams, Senior Grand Deacon, Burlington, Iowa
W., Zach Taylor, Junior Grand Deacon, Ottumwa, Iowa
W., H. H. Lewis, Senior Grand Steward, Des Moines, Iowa
W., Selby Johnson, Junior Grand Steward, Keokuk, Iowa
W., W. A. Lain, Grand Pursuivant, Council Bluffs, Iowa
Brother W. H. Milligan, Grand Tyler, Des Moines, Iowa
COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN CORRESPONDENCE
A. Bland, Chairman, G. W. Black, John Brooks.

The Grand Officers being honored and proclaimed in accordance
with the time honored usages of the Fraternity, the craft was called
from labor to refreshment to call on at 9 o'clock a.m., Wednesday,
August 10th.
Wednesday morning August 10th, the Grand Lodge was called
from refreshment to labor by the Grand Master; Grand Officers in
their several stations. Prayer by the R. W., Jas. Higgins, Grand
Chaplain.
The minutes of the previous session were read and on motion
were approved.
The committee on Constitution and By-Laws, which was
appointed at a previous meeting, reported that they had prepared a
Constitution and By-Laws, which on motion were read and adopted.
The Junior Grand Warden observed the time, 12 p.m., and the
Grand Lodge was called from labor to refreshment to call on at 2
p.m.
Wednesday, August 10th, 2 p.m. The lodge was called to labor by
the Junior Grand Warden, Brother T. L. Smith presiding at the altar.
Brother 0. Fields on behalf of W. 0. Vance, Managing Editor of the
Weekly Review, published at New Albany, Indiana, presented the
claims of that paper in a neat speech, ending with a resolution to
make the "Review" the official organ of this Grand Lodge; on motion
Brother Field's resolution was approved: We do hereby recommend
the Review to the favorable consideration of the craft in this
jurisdiction: all official Masonic items sent them will be published
gratuitously.
This is a neat little sheet, owned, edited and printed entirely by
colored men. Subscription price $1.00 per year. Agent, A. A. Bland,
Grand Secretary, Keokuk.
54
On motion of Brother John Brooks it was resolved that all the

charter members be, and they are hereby constituted life members of
the Grand Lodge, and entitled to one vote each, in the Grand Lodge.
It was moved by Brother M. C. Thomson that a vote of thanks of
this Grand Lodge be tendered to Brother S. H. McCracken of North
Star Lodge, Chicago, for the able manner in which he has assisted us
in our organization. The motion was put and received a unanimous
affirmative.
On motion it was resolved that Brother Moses Dickson represent
us near the Grand Lodge of Missouri.
It was on motion resolved that we request the brethren whose
names appear below, to represent this Grand Lodge to the Grand
Lodges named, and to ask recognition at their hands.
R. W., Brother John G. Jones, near the Grand Lodge of Illinois; R.
W., Brother W. H. Parham, near the Grand Lodge of Ohio; R. W.,
Brother H. D. Lett, near the Grand Lodge of Kansas; R. W., Brother W.
H. Gibson, near the Grand Lodge of Kentucky; R. W., Brother A. L.
Richmond, near the Grand Lodge of Arkansas; R. W., Brother W. T.
Plummer, near the Grand Lodge of Ontario.
On motion resolved that the first annual communication of this
Grand Lodge be held in the City of Des Moines, on the second
Tuesday in July.
Brother G. H. Claggett offered the following: Be it resolved by this
Grand Lodge that a vote of thanks is hereby tendered to the W. M.,
Wardens and brethren of York Lodge, No. 1, for their hospitalities
extended the officers, members and representatives of this Grand
Lodge during our stay in their city.
It was on motion resolved that all Charter Lodges receive their
warrants at actual cost price, and that their old warrants be returned
to the Grand Lodge of Missouri.
The Grand Secretary was ordered to have printed three hundred
copies of the proceedings of this Grand Lodge, to include the
business of the convention, and also the Constitution and By-Laws.
The Secretary was also instructed to furnish the several lodges
with their warrants in due form, and to procure a seal for the use of
the Grand Lodge.
On motion resolved that we accept as our standard of law,
Mackey's Masonic jurisprudence.
It was further resolved that a tax of fifty cents per capita be
assessed on all lodges to defray the expenses of the Grand Lodge,
and that the W. M. collect and forward the same to the Grand
Secretary within thirty days.
The organization of a Grand Lodge for colored Masons for the
State of Iowa was a matter that attracted much attention throughout
the State and was the subject of much favorable comment among
55
some of the leading newspapers of that day. The following from the
Iowa State Register at Des Moines is fully representative of the friendly
greeting extended this new organization
UNIVERSAL MASONRY IN IOWA
Among the colored men of Iowa the Order of Freemasonry

has been growing quite rapidly of late years. For some time
lodges have been in operation in this State under the
protection and guidance of the Grand Lodge of Missouri. For
a few months a movement has been on foot in Iowa, led by a
few active spirits in Des Moines, to organize a Grand Lodge
for this State, and so make it independent of Missouri
dictation and control. Early in the present month a
convention of colored Masons was held at Keokuk, at which
representatives from five Lodges were present. A Grand
Lodge for the State of Iowa was formed with the following
Officers: John Page, G. M.; J. L. Brooks, D. G. M.; G. W. Black,
S. G. W.; M. C. Thompson, J. G. W.; 0. Fields, G. T.; A. A.
Bland, G. S.; W. H. Milligan, G. T.
The Grand Master, Mr. Page, is a resident of Des Moines,
and a bright Mason, and an active and influential man. He is
an enthusiast in the order, and has long been prominent in
its circles in Iowa. He was the originator, and has been the
leader of the movement to organize on an Iowa basis. Now
such an organization has been effected, and Mr. Page placed
at the head of it. He is a good organizer, and will go into the
work with great energy and enthusiasm, and no doubt the
order will grow rapidly under his Mastership, and prosper
finely. There are now eleven colored lodges in Iowa, with a
membership of some two hundred and fifty. There is no
reason and no excuse, to a reasonable man, why these
colored Masons should not fraternize with and their lodges
be a part of the common Freemasonry of the State or the
order that takes to itself the whole name of Masonry, as if
there were no other. The pride and boast of Masonry are
mainly that it is an order universal, and all races and
tongues gather under its banner in a common brotherhood
and protection. All the literature of Masonry, ancient and
modern, is filled with the claim that it is an universal
brotherhood, knowing no restriction of race or clime, and
speaking to the human heart in a common tongue, and a
tongue common to itself. Every Masonic address boasts of
this as the great glory of the order, and all Masonic history
is rich with the incidents of civilized men finding in
56
barbarous countries protection from brother Masons, who

could speak to and recognize them alone in the mystic signs
and grips of the universal order. There has been much poetry
spun in celebration of the Englishman and the Arab, the
Celestial and the Hindoo, the Spaniard and the Indian, the
Laplander and the Mexican, all getting together about the
altar of the order, and all being brethren and allies at its
touch.
That is the poetry of it, and perhaps the fact. But here in
America, the black man, who is a brother, if all Masonic
pretensions and teachings be not a lie, is excluded from the
white man's lodge room, and he is compelled to take the
brethren of his own hue and organize what the white
Masons call clandestine lodges in order to be Masons at all.
It would seem since the foolish prejudice about the black
man has been stricken down in politics, and his
brotherhood there recognized, that it is high time this order,
which boasts so much of the universality of its brotherhood
and its heart, shall show that all its pretensions are not
hypocritical and hollow. Meantime Godspeed the lodges of
Prince Hall and the black men.
With the actual organization of a Grand Lodge in the State, it was

hoped that the strong opposition to such a move that had been
developed by Past Grand Master Clark and supported by the Grand
Lodge of Missouri, would cease, and that the remaining lodges in the
State would see the wisdom of movement, surrender their charters
to the Grand Lodge of Missouri and join the Iowa Grand Lodge. But
such a happy solution was not to obtain. The Grand Lodge of
Missouri refused to recognize African Grand Lodge as a sovereign
Grand Lodge and not only held onto its five lodges that had declined
to take part in the organization of African Grand Lodge, but
continued to exercise jurisdiction over Iowa territory and to organize
new lodges in the State
At the 1882 meeting of the Grand Lodge of Missouri, Grand Master
Willis N. Brent took "jurisdictional notice" of the organization of
African Grand Lodge in his annual address and presented the matter
to his Grand Lodge in the following statement:
AFRICAN GRAND LODGE
Just prior (August 10th, 1881), to the opening of your last

session this body claims to have effected an organization in
this city. The history of the movement up to that time was
reported to you at the last session, and may he found in the
57
published proceedings under the topic York Lodge. This

body has addressed me several Communications requesting
recognition and exchange of representatives. All such
proposals have been respectfully declined. They are
zealously knocking at the doors of all colored Grand Lodges,
asking fraternal acknowledgement. Illinois has unwittingly
extended the hand of fraternal greeting, while the Grand
Lodge of Ohio more conservative and understanding the
comity which is the bond between all regular Grand Lodges,
declined to consider a proposal until the Grand Lodge for
Missouri is consulted. Smarting under their supposed
affront, this young organization has during the year been
aggressive, and at times repugnant. Every effort has been
made, and all means known to cunning and chicanery to
alienate our Lodges in Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska, from
their allegiance. My instructions to deputies in Iowa have
been explicit, and had no 'uncertain sound. The position of
this Grand Lodge does not admit of any misconception. We
held that the allegiance of Lodges is voluntary, and may be
terminated at any time while they remain just and perfect,
by their own deliberate action. It has not been our purpose
to obstruct or impede any movement looking to the
formation of a regular Grand Lodge of colored Masons in the
State of Iowa. We have sought only to ascertain the wishes
of the Masons of the State, and whenever a convention
which is the spontaneous movement of our brethren for a
new Grand Lodge is held, we shall be the first to hail and
welcome it as the legitimate offspring of our own loins.
In this connection you are called upon to make the
formal declaration of the position and policy of this Grand
Lodge, respecting the body in question, and toward all
Grand Lodges which may deem it their duty and privilege to
extend their recognition to it.
You are invited to incorporate in your statement of
reasons for withholding recognition of that body, as a
regular and perfect Grand Lodge, the following
considerations:
(1) The insubordination, and disability from censure

under which York Lodge rested when it participated in the
formation of that body.
(2) That of the twelve Lodges invited to participate in the

deliberations of that formation eight were opposed to it.
58
(3) That at the convention prior to the formation, held at

Ottumwa, for the same purpose, of the twelve Lodges
represented, and participating, eight voted to and did
adjourn the convention, sine die.
(4) That if there be more than three Lodges previously

existing in any State or Territory where it is desired to
establish a Grand Lodge, the concurrence of the majority of
all of them is necessary to the legal formation of the new
Grand Lodge.
(5) That an actual majority of Lodges holding allegiance

to this Grand Lodge existed at the time of said formation,
and that a majority of such actually exists today, and craves
permission to continue such allegiance.
This statement was referred by the committee on Grand Master's

Address to the Committee on Jurisprudence, as was also the
following report of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence:
To M. W. Grand Lodge for the State of Missouri, and its

Jurisdiction:
You were pleased to refer to us the commission and

letters of Bro. Moses Dickson, authorizing him to serve as
the representative of an organization pretending to be a
Grand Lodge, under the title of the African Grand Lodge of
Iowa.
We have had the same under consideration, and beg to
report as follows:
The appointment of Grand Representative implies the
existence of a body competent and qualified to perform such
office. In this particular case, we find the organization in
question to be composed exclusively of Subordinate Lodges,
under the jurisdiction of the M.W. Grand Lodge of Missouri.
It is true, that the form of returning warrants has been
observed in several cases. That the manner in which the
consent of some of these Lodges was obtained is rather
questionable, and particularly in the case of York Lodge, No.
8, whose act was in open and flagrant violation of her duty
to this Grand Lodge, and she was exceptionally incompetent
to act, in consequence of being under censure of this Grand
Body. They claim that all the forms necessary were complied
with by the convention, in the formation of this Body. This
may be true, but that would not of itself give legality to the
59
organization if the constituent elements composing the

Convention were not qualified to enter into such an
agreement.
The theory upon which they base their claims to
recognition is that which concedes the right of three or
more Subordinate Lodges to meet in convention and form a
Grand Lodge. This idea is in harmony with that entertained
by the white Grand Lodges, to which is added that of
exclusive territorial jurisdiction. This theory, no doubt, was
derived from the circumstances attending the organization
of the first Grand Lodge, by Lodges, and the American idea
of "exclusive jurisdiction" originated in the demand for some
rule that would protect the general interests of the craft and
at the same time secure to the individual grand bodies the
benefit of their local regulations.
Political bias may have suggested this arrangement, but
let that be as it may, it is unquestionably this theory that
has given color to the opinions of those who are
endeavoring to justify their course in the formation of this
body. And yet, as a matter of fact, Grand Lodges of our race
do not believe in this theory, but, on the other hand, have
repudiated the principle. This being the case, the opposite
opinion can only he approved. Admitting this to be the
alternative, and afterwards conceding the right of three or
more Subordinate Lodges to meet in convention, and,
without qualifications or conditions warranting such a
movement, to organize a Grand Lodge, the concession of
such a right would place Masonry in an unstable condition,
open avenues for designing men to disintegrate every Grand
Lodge in the country. Such is the situation, we find, by the
absence of some established and approved principle of
action consistent and in keeping with the true welfare of the
fraternity among our people. We are forced, from the very
nature of things, to look to one class to supply material for
our Subordinate Lodges, and we should realize the
importance as we believe the responsibility resting upon us
to see that only proper material is admitted into the
fraternity, is fully understood and appreciated, to favor some
principle just and equitable in all its bearings that will
answer in all respects our needs and secure the perpetuity of
the institution in its purity. Grand Lodges should only be
established when there are grounds for reasonable belief
that the welfare of the order in that particular locality would
be promoted, and the environment should be such as to give
promise of substantial support without hazarding its
60
character by the introduction of an inferior class of members

or compromising its reputation by the employment of
questionable means for increasing its membership. In the
case under consideration you may understand the necessity
for a Grand Lodge in that State, when it is well known that
the total membership of the Lodges in Iowa is not sufficient
to make three healthy Lodges upon a basis that would
render possible the full and complete enjoyment of the real
advantages to accrue in the event of the correct management
and direction of affairs, and this, too, in the presence of the
fact that the total colored population of the State is less
than one-half of that of the city of St. Louis, with the
disadvantage of not having any reasonable grounds to think
that there will be any addition made to its present number
from any source than that of the natural increase.
We, therefore, in view of these circumstances,
recommend the return of the letters to M. W. Bro. Dickson,
and that the following resolutions be adopted:
Whereas, In view of the important interests of
Freemasonry involved in the relinquishment of charters or
warrants of Subordinate Lodges, it becomes necessary, as a
means of security and essential as a rule for our present and
future government, that the sentiments of this Most
Worshipful Grand Lodge be expressed in a definite and
unequivocal manner, therefore be it
Resolved, That it is the sense of the GRAND LODGE OF
MISSOURI and its Masonic jurisdiction, that warrants or
charters of Subordinate Lodges shall only be voluntarily
surrendered in accordance with the following conditions:
Formal notice of such intention shall be made at a stated
meeting of the Lodge and a vote thereon taken to ascertain
the opinion of the membership as to the propriety of
submitting the proposition for final action, and if approved
by a majority of those present, the Worshipful Master shall
order the Secretary of the Lodge to summon each and every
member in good standing to attend the next stated
convention of the Lodge, then and there to take final action
upon the proposition, which shall in every case be definitely
stated and clearly set forth in the note of summons.
The legality of the action of the Lodge shall be contingent
upon an affirmative vote of such a majority of the members
summoned as shall not be opposed by a minority equal to
or greater than seven.
Resolved, That the consideration of all applications for
recognition and the exchange of representatives from bodies
61
purporting to be Grand Lodges shall be preceded by a

thorough and complete investigation of the character of the
petitioners, the result of which shall show that all the forms
and usages of the fraternity necessary to be observed in the
organization of Grand Lodges have been complied with in
this particular case, and also that the body contains within
itself all the elements and essential qualities of sovereignty,
and that the local surroundings are such as to furnish
grounds for the belief that real substantial good will result
to the craft from its labors.
The above is fraternally submitted.
ROBT. 0. SMITH, Chairman.
The Committee on jurisprudence approved these reports in the

following report:
To the M. W. Grand Lodge for the State of Missouri and

Jurisdiction:
We, your committee to whom was referred the report of

the Committee on Foreign Correspondence, on the so-called
African Grand Lodge of Iowa, beg most respectfully to
report that we have carefully examined said report and find
it to be in accord with sound and logical Masonic law and
comity, and in harmony with the best interests of Craft
Masonry, etc.
(I) We recommend that this Grand Lodge respectfully

request all grand bodies who are in fraternal relation with us
to refuse recognition of the so-called African Grand Lodge of
Iowa.
(2) And we would recommend that all members desiring

to be true and loyal, be requested to return to their
allegiance, and that the Grand Master enable them so to do
by permitting them to associate themselves with the loyal
Lodges that are, and have remained, loyal to the Grand
Lodge of Missouri.
This was the official reply of the Grand Lodge of Missouri to the
prayer of African Grand Lodge for recognition. It left no doubt as to
what its attitude would he towards the new organization. It had,
however, underestimated the strength and caliber of Iowa Masons
and had failed to recognize the fact that a Grand Lodge can function
and succeed in its own territory without recognition from any other
62
Grand Lodge. History shows that several white Grand Lodges, as well
as colored, have been able to do so.
African Grand Lodge, however, was not to be in this situation. It
received recognition from two of the leading Grand Lodges as soon
as a request for such had been placed before them. Illinois and Ohio
recognized African Grand Lodge as a sovereign Grand Lodge the first
week it was organized. That African Grand Lodge continued and was
successful as the record of its annual proceedings clearly shows.
FIRST ANNUAL COMMUNICATION

DES MOINES, IOWA, JULY 11, 12, 13, 1882
Bro. John Page, M. W. Grand Master

Bro. A. A. Bland, R. W. Grand Secretary
In accordance with the provisions of the Constitution, the Most

Worshipful African Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons met in
its first Annual Communication, in the hall of North Star Lodge, No.
2, in the city of Des Moines. The M. W. Grand Master, John Page,
called the brethren to order at 10 o'clock A. M. The Grand Chaplain,
Rev. Bro. Higgins, officiated at the altar, and an address of welcome
was delivered by Bro. J. H. Shephard, W. M., of North Star Lodge, No.
2. A constitutional number of lodges being present, the Grand Lodge
was opened in ample form by Grand Master John Page. The roll call
of officers showed that all the Grand Officers, both elective and
appointive, were present and in their stations.
The Committee on Credentials reported the following lodges
represented:
York Lodge, No. 1, Keokuk, J. E. Gillam, W. M.

North Star Lodge, No. 2, Des Moines, J. H. Shepard, W. M.
Sumner Lodge, No. 3, Burlington, James Higgins, W. M.
Golden Star Lodge, No. 4, Ottumwa, Zachariah Taylor, proxy,
J. K. Hilyard, No. 6, Minneapolis, Minnesota, John Page, proxy.
M. W. Grand Master John Page read his annual address. which

was referred to the Committee on Grand Master's Address.. Among
other things he said:
Brethren of the Most Worshipful African Grand Lodge of

Iowa. We have met in this, our first annual communication
according to the order at the close of the last session. And I,
as your Grand Master, feel that I have occasion to
congratulate you not only upon this brilliant assembly of
Masons; but also upon the additional facts, that are the
63
outgrowth of that peace, harmony and vigor that permeate

every portion of the Craft in our jurisdiction. There is not
the least sign of faltering on the part of any one; or of going
back into that condition which to say the least of it was
unproductive of a single act of permanent good. I shall not
attempt to make a lengthy address to you, neither do I think
it called for; you are as well aware as I am that the brethren
of the Most Worshipful African Grand Lodge have been kept
thoroughly informed of its transactions and necessities. Our
number is small, but let us return thanks to the Supreme
Ruler of the Universe, that the close of the year finds our
ranks unbroken by the visitations of the Angel of Time.
Since last we met, the Craft throughout our country have
been called to mourn the loss of the highest official in the
land; and we in common with the rest, lift our voices in
lamentation that the mighty Garfield should have become
the victim of a miserable assassin.
Under the head of Official Business, he stated:
I visited John G. Jones Lodge, No. 5, at Council Bluffs,

Iowa, and installed their officers. About April 1st, I received
a communication from J. K. Hilyard Lodge, at Minneapolis,
Minnesota, expressing their intention of severing their
connection with the Grand Lodge of Missouri; and desiring
to come, under the jurisdiction of Iowa. I replied at once,
expressing my willingness to grant a dispensation until the
sitting of the Grand Lodge. This I subsequently did under
date of April 15, 1882; and in due time received their old
warrant, which I have since sent to the Grand Lodge of
Missouri. I recommend that they be warranted and receive
their number in order.
He called attention to the invasion of their jurisdiction by the

Grand Lodge of Missouri, and recommended that there be a special
committee appointed to draft resolutions looking to the settlement
of the trouble between the Grand Lodge of Missouri and the Grand
Lodge of Iowa.
On December 15, 1881, he issued a special dispensation to open a
new lodge at Albia, Monroe County, Iowa, and appointed the,
following officers: Allen Winn, W. M.: Taylor Duke, S. W.; R. Heugh, J.
W.
He made the following recommendations: "That the Grand Lodge

have a Code of by-laws published for the government of subordinate
64
lodges in the jurisdiction. That African Grand Lodge of Iowa be

incorporated at its earliest convenience. That the lodges in this
jurisdiction form themselves into a protective association for their
mutual relief and benefit.
These two Iast recommendations were laid over for consideration

at the next meeting of the Grand Lodge.
The special committee appointed to investigate the matter of
invasion of territory by the Grand Lodge of Missouri, made the
following report:
GRAND LODGE OF IOWA

vs.
GRAND LODGE OF MISSOURI
WHEREAS The Most Worshipful African Grand Lodge for

the State of Iowa, was organized August 9th, 1881, in
accordance with the laws governing the organization of
Grand Lodges, and
WHEREAS Due notice of the formation of the M. W.
African Grand Lodge of Iowa, was given to the M. W. G. L. of
Missouri through P. G. M. Moses Dickson, who was
appointed by the M. W. African Grand Lodge to represent us
near the Grand Lodge of Missouri.
We find from the proceedings of the M. W. G. L. of
Missouri (see page 45), that at the afternoon session of the
first day, August 16th, 1881, Moses Dickson did present his
letters as representative of this Grand Lodge, which letters
were received and referred to the committee on foreign
correspondence.
We further find that at the morning session of the third
day. August 18th, (see pace 59), the committee on Grand
Master's address recommended that the Grand Lodge expel
Austin Bland and Orange Fields, which recommendation was
approved.
After a thorough investigation we find from the records of
proceedings that the said Austin Bland and Orange Fields
were in good standing, there appearing no charges in either
subordinate or Grand Lodge against them,
We further find that our jurisdiction has been invaded,
and a new lodge set up in the State by the D. D. G. M., of the
twenty-third District of the Grand Lodge of Missouri. The
Grand Lodge of Missouri also continues to hold some
warranted lodges in this jurisdiction.
65
We claim the actions of the Grand Lodge of Missouri to

be illegal, basing our claims on the fundamental principles of
Masonry as laid down by Mackey (see pages 558 to 565 and
421 to 425).
We therefore recommend that this whole matter be
referred to a special committee, said committee be
empowered to employ counsel to defend the rights of the
African Grand Lodge of Iowa.
G. W. BLACK,
J. E. GILLAM,
H. H. LEWIS,
Committee.
The reports of the Secretary and Treasurer, which tallied, showed

amount received $149.50, paid out $122.25, leaving a balance of $27.25.
Warrants were issued to J. K. Hilyard Lodge, No. ??, Minneapolis,
Minnesota, and to Garfield Lodge No. 7, at Albia, Iowa.
The following were elected officers for the ensuing year:
M. W., John L. Brooks, Burlington, Grand Master

R. W., J. H. Shepard, Des Moines, Deputy Grand Master
R. W., J. E. Gilliam, Keokuk, Senior Grand Warden
R.W., Zach. Taylor, Ottumwa, Junior Grand Warden
R.W., Orange Fields, Keokuk, Grand Treasurer
R.W., A. A. Bland, Keokuk, Grand Secretary
The next place of meeting, Burlington, Iowa, second Tuesday

in July, A. D. 1883, A. L. 5883.
SECOND. ANNUAL COMMUNICATION

Burlington, Iowa, July 10, 11, 12, 1883
Bro. John L. Brooks, Grand Master;

Bro. A. A. Bland, Grand Secretary
In accordance with the provision of the constitution, the Most

Worshipful African Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons,
convened in its second annual communication, in the hall of Sumner
Lodge, No. 3, Burlington, Iowa, and was opened in the third degree of
Masonry, at 10 o'clock A. M., the Most Worshipful Grand Master, J. L.
Brooks, in the East.
Roll call of officers showed all the grand officers present and in
their stations.
66

present:
York Lodge, No. 1, Keokuk, J. E. Gillam, W. M.

North Star Lodge, No. 2, Des Moines, W. T. Ewing, W. M.
Sumner Lodge, No. 3, Burlington, N. Cortwright, W. M.
Golden Star Lodge, No. 4, Ottumwa, Enoch Shaw, W. M.
J.K. Hilyard Lodge, No. 6, Minneapolis, Minnesota, S. H.
Martin, W. M.
Garfield Lodge, No. 7, Albia, A. Winn, W. M.
Newton Lodge, No. 8, Newton, E. W. Vaughn, W. M.
The Grand Master in his annual address complimented the Craft

upon the progress being made, reporting peace and harmony existing
throughout the jurisdiction. That Missouri still insisted in invading
the jurisdiction and establishing lodges. That a communication was
received from new Lodge at Newton, asking for a warrant. This lodge
had been dispensated by the Grand Lodge of Missouri, but before
receiving a warrant had renounced allegiance to Missouri and asked
for recognition in African Grand Lodge, and, on their Petition, a
warrant was granted Newton Lodge, No. 8.
The financial report showed amount received $132.35, paid out
$128.65, leaving a balance on hand of $3.70.
On motion of Geo. W. Black, the names of all charter members are
printed in this proceeding and appear as follows:
John Page T. R. VanPelt

John Brooks C. W. Newton
Geo. W. Black P. Jackson
J. H. Shepard, F. D. Bland
Orange Fields John Williams
A. A. Bland Zach. Taylor
J. E. Gillam H. H. Lewis
James Higgins S. Johnson
George Bland W. A. Layne
G. H. Cleggett W. H. Milligan
W. T. Ewing
It is doubtful whether that list is exactly correct. One name, at

least, does not appear in the list, that of M. 0. Thompson, who was
present at the organization, took part in its proceedings and was
elected Junior Grand Warden. It is true that Mr. Thompson was
afterwards expelled from Masonry; and contains the name of W. T.
Ewing, a member of North Star Lodge, who, according to the record,
was only a floor member of North Star Lodge, No. 2, and was not
67
eligible to a seat in the convention which organized African Grand

Lodge.
The following were elected to office for the ensuing year:
J. H. Shepard, M. W. Grand Master

J. E. Gillam, R. W. Deputy Grand Master
S. H. Martin, R. W. Senior Grand Warden
James Higgins, R. W. Junior Grand Warden
Orange Fields, R. W. Grand Treasurer
G. H. Cleggett, R. W. Grand Secretary
On the third day the Grand Lodge was formed in procession at 5

P. M. by the Grand Marshal, and paraded the principal back to the
hall of Sumner Lodge, No. 3, and from thence to Union Hall, where
the Grand Officers were publicly installed by Past Grand Master John
L. Brooks. The Grand Lodge closed to meet at Ottumwa, Iowa, the
second Tuesday in Jul A, D. 1884, A. L. 5884.
THIRD ANNUAL COMMUNICATION

Ottumwa, Iowa, July 8,9,10,1884
M. W. J. H. SHEPARD, Grand Master

R. W. G. H. CLEGGETT, Secretary
In accordance with the provisions of the constitution, the Most

Worshipful African Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons
convened in its third annual communication in the hall of Golden
Star Lodge, No. 4, Ottumwa, and was opened in the third degree of
Masonry at 10:00 A. M., the Most Worshipful Grand Master G.
Cleggett in the East. The blessings of Heaven we're invoked by the
Worthy Grand Chaplain Edward Williams.
On roll call all the grand officers answered to their names and
retired to their several stations. The Grand Master appointed the
usual committees.
At the afternoon session the Committee on Credentials presented
the following report:
York Lodge, No. 1, F. D. Bland

North Star Lodge, No. 2, W. T. Ewing
Sumner Lodge, No. 3, J. L. Brooks
Golden Star Lodge, No. 4, B. J. Fuller
J. K. Hilyard Lodge, No. 6, J. K. Hilyard
Garfield Lodge, No. 7, Allen Winn
Newton Lodge, No. 8, Lewis Mayes
Lincoln Lodge U. D., S. H. McCracken
68
11
King Solomon Lodge U. D., J. E. Shepperdson

Eastern Star Lodge U. D., H. W. Gray
Grand Master Shepard then delivered his annual address and as it

is one of the best so far delivered before this Grand Lodge it is given
here in full.
Brethren, and Members of the Most Worshipful African
Grand Lodge of Iowa:
It is with feelings of great pleasure that I greet you on
this our third annual communication. We meet again to
exchange those friendly greetings which so strongly cement
us together, and to review the work of the year and take
counsel for the future. So let us return thanks to the Grand
Master of the Universe that we are permitted to meet around
this our sacred altar.
How important it is for you to calmly consider the work
which may be presented to you for your careful
consideration. The working tools of our order have been
actively employed since we last met, and our labors have
been crowned with success. Peace has prevailed within our
circle with very few exceptions. I am delighted to
congratulate this our young Grand Lodge on the harmonious
relations we hold with other Grand Lodges. We have
exchanged minutes and other courtesies with all the Grand
Lodges in the United States, with few exceptions, and I trust
that the brotherly love and friendly sympathy which we have
established will grow stronger and stronger as we approach
the City of our God.
INVASION
I am very sorry to say that our mother Grand Lodge,

Missouri, still defies us, and continues to invade our
territory, and is still setting up lodges and encouraging their
members in every way to keep up a feeling hostile to every
interest for the good of Masonry in the State, regardless of
our brotherly appeals to her.
Our delegate attended the convention that was called at
Cincinnati August 10th, to make arrangements for the
celebration of the One Hundredth anniversary of Masonry
among colored men. He will make you a full report.
DISPENSATION
69
July 13th, assisted by Past Grand Master Brooks and

other Grand Officers, I organized a lodge at Mount Pleasant,
to be known as Lincoln Lodge.
October 11th I organized a lodge at Chariton, to be
known King Solomon Lodge.
April 1st, assisted by Grand Officers, I organized a lodge
at Marshalltown, to be known as Eastern Star Lodge.
They having complied with the rules and regulations of
this Grand Lodge, I would recommend them to you for
warrants.
MASONIC RELIEF AND BENEFITS
I would invite your attention to the advantages to be

derived from the formation of a Masonic relief association.
We should not forget to prepare for those who are so near
and dear to us when we are no more. I have not yet
formulated any plans, but something of the kind should
engage your earnest attention. I would suggest that a
committee be appointed to devise plans and report at our
next annual meeting, and that the subject be put before all
the lodges, and that each representative be instructed to
bring the opinion of his lodge, so that in the near future we
may have a relief plan adopted.
RECOMMENDATIONS
I would recommend that you take some action at this

session in regard to incorporating our Grand Lodge, or make
such other necessary arrangements as will insure its
completion in the near future.
I would recommend that you have a code of By-Laws
gotten up and printed, for the government of our
subordinate lodges.
I further recommend that you have the Constitution and
By-Laws of this Grand Lodge reprinted with this year's
proceedings, as we have none to supply our increasing
demand.
CONCLUSION
Brethren, I cannot retire from the responsibilities of my

high office without again expressing to you my grateful
appreciation of the very great honor which you have
conferred upon me, and for this distinguishing mark of your
70
confidence and esteem I thank you; also for the courtesy and
aid which you have cheerfully accorded me in the discharge
of my official duties, and for your patience and kind
consideration of my inexperience and shortcomings. As we
rest from our labors in the soft light of the setting sun, our
thoughts may be upon the present, or perhaps drop into a
reverie of the past, but most naturally our minds are on the
future. If we hope for that we see not, then do we with
patience wait for it.
The sun of my official career is in the west, and rapidly
sinking towards the horizon, and you turn your eyes to
welcome the dawn of a new day. May he on whom your
choice shall fall as my successor, bring to the fulfillment of
his honorable trust all needed wisdom and fidelity; may the
sun of his official course rise with fairest promise on our
beloved institution, and may it pursue its way through an
unclouded sky.
Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions
ye have been taught. Be at peace among yourselves, warn
them that are unruly; comfort the feeble minded; support
the weak; feed the hungry; see that none render evil for evil
unto any man, but ever follow that which is good among
yourselves and all men. May the Lord of peace ever dwell
with you, now and forever.
Yours fraternally,
J. H. SHEPARD, Grand Master.
The following lodges were granted warrants:
Lincoln Lodge, No. 8, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa

King Solomon Lodge, No. 9, Chariton, Iowa
Eastern Star Lodge, No. 10, Marshalltown, Iowa
Bro. A. A. Bland made a report as delegate to Cincinnati, as

follows:
To the M. W. African Grand Lodge:

We, your delegates, who were appointed at the last
annual session, held at Burlington, July 10, 11 and 12, 1883,
to represent this Grand Lodge at the centennial convention,
wish to submit our report.
In accordance with the notice we were present at the
opening of the convention at Cincinnati, Friday, August 10th,
at noon, and presented, our credentials to the proper
71
committee, and were duly accredited as members of the

convention.
We herewith submit the printed proceedings of said
convention, together with the printed programme of the
centennial celebration, and will state that our relations with
the various grand bodies represented at the convention were
of the most pleasant character.
Respectfully submitted,
A. A. BLAND,
J. K. HILYARD,
Committee.
PROGRAMME OF
MASONIC CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
At Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, September 29th and 30th, and
October 1st, 1884
FIRST DAY
Parade of Symbolic Masonry at 9 A. M.,

At 12 M., oration by S. M. Clark, M. W. G. M. of Ohio, at Industrial
Hall.
At 8 P. M., Public reception at Horticultural Hall, tendered by the
Ladies Centennial Commission to the M. W. G. L. and other grand
bodies of the state of Pennsylvania and visiting bodies.
SECOND DAY
Parade of Capitular Masonry at 2 P. M.

Grand Banquet in the evening at Horticultural Hall, with Carter A.
Stewart, of the District of Columbia, as Master Ceremonies
THIRD DAY
Parade of Knights Templar at 10 A. M., to be followed by

competitive drill. Grand ball at Industrial Hall at night.
I
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Receipts $181.25: disbursements $144.30, leaving balance of $48.75.

In accordance with the recommendation of the Grand Master the
following committee were appointed:
72
On Insurance and Masonic Relief: J. K. Hilyard, E. W. Vaughn,

James Higgins, J. Sterrett, and J. E. Gillam.
On Incorporation: John Page, J. H. Cleggett, and H. H. Lewis,
The following brothers were appointed custodians: John L.
Brooks, William M. Coalson, James Higgins, C. W. Black. and John
Page.
While the writer has been informed that this Grand Lodge took
out Articles of Incorporation, there is no mention of such in the
official proceedings of the Grand Lodge.
The following officers were elected:
M. W. Grand Master, A. A. Bland
R. W. Deputy Grand Master, J. K. Hilyard
R. W. Senior Grand Warden, S. H. McCracken
R. W. Junior Grand Warden, William Coalson
R. W. Grand Treasurer, Orange Field
R. W. Grand Secretary, G. H. Cleggett
The next place of meeting,--J. K. Hilyard Lodge, No, 6, at
Minneapolis, Minnesota
FOURTH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION

St. Paul, Minnesota, July 14,15,16,1885
Bro. A. A. Bland, M. W. Grand Master

Br. G. H. Cleggett, R. W. Grand Secretary
In accordance with the provisions of the Constitution, the Most

Worshipful African Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons
convened in its Fourth Annual Communication in the hall of Pioneer
Lodge, No. 12, St. Paul, Minnesota, having been changed from
Minneapolis by order of the M. W. Grand Master and consent of the
subordinate lodges, and was opened in the third degree of Masonry ,
at 10 o'clock A. M., by the Most Worshipful Grand Master A. A. Bland
in the East, the Worthy Grand Chaplain, Bro. Hudson Woods,
presided at the altar.
represented:
York Lodge, No. 1, Nathan Waller

North Star Lodge, No. 2, H. H. Lewis
Sumner Lodge, No. 3, Lewis Washington
Golden Star Lodge, No. 4, E. L. Shaw
J. K. Hilyard Lodge, No. 6, E. H. Hamilton
Garfield Lodge, No. 7, Allen Winn
Newton Lodge, No. 8, E. W. Vaughn
73
Lincoln Lodge, No. 9, James Higgins, proxy

King Solomon Lodge, No. 10, H. E. Shipperson
Eastern Star Lodge, No. 11, H. W. Gray
Pioneer Lodge, No. 12, Geo. B. Williams
Decatur Lodge U. D., Sioux City
The address of Grand Master Bland was largely composed of

matters pertaining to the organization of Hiram Grand Lodge in the
State of Iowa, of which he said:
Just at the beginning of this administration there was

formed a second organization, styling itself the M. W. Hiram
Grand Lodge. This new body, the Hiram G. L., was formed
August 26, 1884, in the city of Des Moines. Bro. Cleggett, our
efficient Grand Secretary, informed me at once of the new
organization. On the first of September I went to Des
Moines, and called together the Wardens, Secretary and
Committee on Correspondence, to try to warn African Grand
Lodge against the intrusion of the new organization. This
was a hard task for me at once. My first action was to issue
notices to the subordinate lodges under the M. W. A. G. L.,
informing them of the unmasonic actions of lodges that had
formerly been working under the M. W. G. L. of Missouri.
NOTICE
To the Worshipful Masters, Wardens and Brethren of the

Subordinate Lodges working under the Most Worshipful
African Grand Lodge of Iowa, and its Masonic Jurisdiction:
I, Austin A. Bland, M. W. G. M. of Masons in and for the

above named Grand Lodge, do hereby issue the following
edict to wit:
All Masons who are members of any subordinate lodge
under the M. W. A. G. L. for the State of Iowa, as soon as
notice of the issue of this instrument is made known to
them, refrain from all Masonic recognition or affiliation with
any Mason or body of Masons working under a spurious
body styling themselves the M. W. Hiram Grand Lodge of the
State of Iowa.
Any Mason who disregards the above edict insults the
dignity of the Most Worshipful African Grand Lodge.
I also notified all other Grand Lodges of the actions this
new body in the enclosed circular:
74
NOTICE
To all Grand Lodges:

The Most Worshipful African Grand Lodge of Iowa asks
your honorable body to withhold any recognition of a body
of Masons styling themselves the M. W. Hiram Grand Lodge
of Iowa, for the following reasons:
1. Since the organization of the M. W. A. G. L. of Iowa,

the four warranted lodges in Iowa that were working under
Missouri have been offered an exchange of warrants at actual
cost.
2. These Lodges called a convention to organize a second
Grand Lodge in Iowa. We met in the convention and offered
every inducement for them to unite with us, but the effort
was defeated by a few men who want to be leaders, headed
by Alexander Clark, P. G. M., of Missouri.
3. The second Grand Lodge in a State, especially one the
size of Iowa, has always been detrimental to the interests of
Masonry, and a disgrace to the craft. Missouri has
withdrawn her warrants from these lodges, and so far our
trouble has ceased. This new organization will add another
trouble, to be settled by Grand Lodges.
Therefore we pray you to withhold recognition. The

accompanying circular shows the terms we now offer them,
also the proofs of our legality.
Signed: A. A. BLAND,
Grand Master.
NOTICE
To All Whom It May Concern:

Whereas the few lodges in Iowa that held warrants under
the M. W. African Grand Lodge of Missouri have surrendered
their warrants to that Grand Body, and instead of taking out
warrants under the M. W. African Grand Lodge of Iowa, they
have called together some of the dissatisfied parties and
pretended to set up a Grand Lodge. Now this means nothing
more nor less than to keep up a Masonic quarrel. The M. W.
A. G. L. regrets very much to be a participant in such a
disgraceful controversy, especially with those that we
should be on the most friendly terms with.
75
This new body claims that the M. W. A. G. L. was not

regularly organized, and resort to newspaper advertisements
of the same. This is a disgrace to all colored Masons.
We submitted the question of our legality to the Grand
Lodges of the United States. The case has been thoroughly
investigated and we are declared legal by some of the
strongest Grand Lodges in the United States. The Grand
Lodges of the following States have given the M. W. A. F. L.
full recognition, viz. Alabama, Arkansas, District of
Columbia, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Kansas,
Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, Ohio. Pennsylvania,
Texas, Tennessee and Ontario.
This will show to any fair-minded man that these
dissatisfied parties can do nothing but keep up a quarrel and
retard the progress of colored Masonry in the State of Iowa.
We do not believe that Missouri herself will endorse this
action.
To all Masons, or bodies of Masons, in the jurisdiction of
Iowa who are not working under the M. W. A. G. L., we
extend the following protection:
I, Auston A. Bland, M. W. Grand Master of Masons for the
State of Iowa and its jurisdiction will issue certificates of
demit to all individual Master Masons who are in good
standing as Masons, that they may petition any lodge (under
the. W. A. G. L.) for membership.
Also, I will exchange warrants or dispensation with any
lodge that held warrant or dispensation under the M. W. A.
G. L. of Missouri. All Masons or bodies of Masons
concerned can avail themselves of this opportunity by
making application to me at my office, No. 1029 High Street,
Keokuk, Iowa.
Signed: A. A. BLAND,
Grand Master.
Up to the present date, September 2, 1884, I have not heard of a

single Grand Lodge that has recognized the Hiram Grand Lodge as a
legal body. They began their work trying to strengthen themselves by
weakening us. They have made propositions to our subordinates to
surrender their warrants to the M. W. A. Grand Lodge and to take out
warrants under the new (Hiram) grand lodge. Their attempts in this
direction have been just as unsuccessful as were their efforts to gain
recognition.
This, my brethren, has been the state of affairs during the past
year, and has been the chief cause of there being no new lodges
formed under dispensation, but we have added considerable strength
76
to the old lodges, and for this we are glad. And right here let me
return many thanks to the W. M.'s of subordinates, and to Grand
Officers for their assistance; but must make special mention of the
prompt action of Bro. G. H. Cleggett, G. S., and H. H. Lewis, of the
Committee on Correspondence.
In concluding his address, he made the following statement:
In conclusion of my recommendations I wish to make a

statement. There has been a conference held by the Grand
Secretaries of the A. G. L. and the body styling itself the
Hiram Grand Lodge, and a number of the officers and
members of the two Grand bodies, having for its object the
uniting of all lodges in the State into one Grand Lodge. The
result of this conference was that the matter referred to the
two Grand Masters, viz. Alex Clark and myself, and we
requested to devise a plan of a union. I communicated at
once with Bro. A. Clark, but we failed to agree upon a plan. I
therefore refer the entire matter, together with all papers of
correspondence; to this Grand Lodge for their consideration,
with the recommendation that this Grand Lodge devise
some plan whereby all subordinate lodges on both sides
may have a voice in saying how and when this union shall be
effected.
The financial report shows amount received $229.00, amount paid

out. $147.15, balance $74.85.
The following officers were elected for the ensuing year:
A. A.. Bland, M. W. Grand Master

J. K. Hilyard, R. W. Deputy Grand Master
W. T. Ewing, R. W. Senior Grand Warden
J. G. Sterrett, R. W. Junior Grand Warden
H. H. Lewis, R. W. Grand Treasurer
G. H. Cleggett, R. W. Grand Secretary
The Grand Lodge was closed to meet in Keokuk, Iowa, the second
Tuesday in July, A. D. 1886, A. 5886.
FIFTH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION

Keokuk, Iowa, July 13, 14, 15, 1886
Bro. A. A. Bland, Grand Master

Bro. Geo. H. Cleggett, Grand Secretary
77
The Most Worshipful African Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted

Masons convened in its Fifth Annual Communication, in the hall of
York Lodge, No. 1, Keokuk, and was opened in due form in the third
degree of Masonry, at 10 o'clock A. M., Most Worshipful Grand
Master, A. A. Bland, presiding. Prayer was offered by Grand Chaplain
L. H. Reynolds. All but two Grand Officers were present and in their
stations.
represented:
York Lodge, No. 1, N. Waller

North Star Lodge, No. 2, G.W. Black
Golden Star Lodge, No. 4, Sylvester Lee
J. K. Hilyard Lodge, No. 6, J. K. Hilyard
Garfield Lodge, No. 7, A. A. Bland, proxy
Newton Lodge, No. 8, L. Mayes
Lincoln Lodge, No. 9, S. H. McCracken
King Solomon Lodge, No. 10, R. H. Taylor
Eastern Star Lodge, No. 11, A. A. Bland, proxy
Pioneer Lodge, No. 12, J. K. Hilyard
Decatur Lodge, No, 13, F. Howell
The Grand Master in his address again refers to their internal

troubles. He says:
I, as your servant, have worked hard to unite those

lodges that have been led astray by designing men. My
anxiety for the settlement is so great that I have allowed
myself to resort to every means at my command to obtain
peace. I have spent time and money to meet some of those
that pretend to be officers of the body styled the Hiram
Grand Lodge and they do not hesitate to tell us that they
have no recognition and don't want any; also that they will
make any man who applies to them regardless alike of his
money principles or character. This state of affairs I deplore
as being most hurtful to us, as for them, they have nothing
to lose. I have now come to the conclusion that it is time to
quit persuading these men, for they dare not be honest and
let even their own followers know the facts as they exist,
else would they be left without a subordinate lodge; but
many thanks to the enlightened Grand Lodges of our
country, many of whom have examined the status of our
Grand Lodge and Hiram and the Grand Lodge of Missouri are
receiving from them their just desserts.
78
The financial statement shows total amount received $206.00,

amount paid out $157.63, balance in treasury $48.17.
The following were elected to office for the ensuing year:
G. H. Cleggett, M. W. Grand Master

Orange Fields, R. W. Deputy Grand Master
J. E. Shepperson, R. W. Senior Grand Warden
E. W. Vaughn, R. W. Junior Grand Warden
H. H. Lewis, R. W. Grand Treasurer
J. E. Gillam, R. W. Grand Secretary
At this session the election for Grand Master was very close and
the result may, or may not, have had some bearing upon the
situation in Iowa Masonry. The candidates were G. H. Cleggett of
North Star Lodge, No. 1, and J. K. Hilyard, of Pioneer Lodge, No. 12,
St. Paul, Minnesota, and the result of the ballot was Cleggett 51,
Hilyard 50. Just why at this time Iowa Masons felt like going outside
of the State of Iowa for a leader, when it required the presence of an
Iowa man who could be on the scene at all times of the trouble. It
proved afterwards that Bro. Cleggett's election as Grand Master of
African Grand Lodge made it possible for the two Grand Lodges to
unite and form the United Grand Lodge.
The next annual communication was voted to be held in Des
Moines on the second Tuesday in July, A. D. 1887, A. L. 5886.
The record of that meeting will be given in the chapter on the
"Organization of the United Grand Lodge."
79
CHAPTER IV.
Hiram Grand Lodge.
The reasons for the preliminary steps taken in the organization of

Hiram Grand Lodge are fully set forth in the printed proceedings of
the convention and organization of that body. It is the best history
to be obtained today and is here given in full.
PRELIMINARY STEPS TO GRAND LODGE

ORGANIZATION
KEOKUK, IOWA, April 23, 1884.

The brethren of Star Lodge Number 5 1, and several other
brethren of this state met in Star Lodge room, to take into
consideration what was best for colored Masons in this
State and what to do to better their condition. After the
object of the meeting was stated by Bro. A. Harris, Bro. S.
Fox was elected chairman, Bro. A. Johnson, secretary and
Bro. A. Harris, assistant secretary.
Remarks were made by several brethren as to the
importance of some steps being taken at this time for the
purpose of bettering Freemasonry. Through the various
remarks it was suggested that an Independent Grand Lodge
of Iowa ought to be organized for harmonizing the elements.
The subject was taken up by Star Lodge No. 51, when, as a
Lodge, the following resolution was affirmed:
Resolved, That we, Star Lodge No. 51, pledge ourselves
to use all our influence legitimately for the purpose of
organizing a Grand Lodge in this State.
After discussion the motion prevailed unanimously.
Bro. M. N. Bell, P. M., and Representative of North Star
No. 31, offered the following which was adopted:
WHEREAS, Past and present Master representatives of
four Lodges of this State, and letters under seal of two
others are here and have organized themselves into a
Convention to consider the best manner of elevating
Freemasonry in this state. Therefore be it
Resolved, That we take such steps as may be necessary
and legal for the formation of a regular Grand Lodge for this
State under such style and name as may be agreed upon at
time of organization.
It was moved that a committee of three be appointed by
the chair which shall nominate seven members from the
different Lodges for the purpose of making the necessary
80
arrangements for the object in view, viz. The organization of

a Grand Lodge in this State. The committee retired and
shortly after returned and made the report, which was
amended and adopted:
REPORT
We, your committee on nomination for committee to

call a convention with the view of a Grand Lodge
organization, beg leave to report the following names:
T. L. Smith and W. A. Dove, Star Lodge No. 51.

I. N. Daniels, Sims Lodge, No. 50.
J. E. Todd, North Star, No. 31.
E. C. Thomas, Mt. Olive, No. 86.
J. S. Reid, Reed Lodge No. 79.
A. Clark, Clark Lodge No. 61.
MILES N. BELL,
A. HARRIS,
J. SIMS.
Committee
On motion the name of T. L. Smith was erased and A.

Harris was inserted.
On motion the name of W. A. Dove was erased and that
of S. Fox inserted.
On motion the name of John Sims was inserted and that
of I. N. Daniels erased.
On motion the name of J. E. Todd was erased and M. N.
Bell inserted.
As amended the report was adopted.
On, motion the committee was empowered to fill, all
vacancies.
On motion a vote of thanks was tendered Br. Amos
Johnson, Secretary, for valuable services.
The minutes were read and approved,
On motion the convention adjourned to meet at such
time and place as may be agreed upon by committee.
SYKE FOX,
Chairman
Attest:,
AMOS JOHNSON,
Secretary
81
IOWA GRAND LODGE ORGANIZATION
Notice, to whom it may Concern:
We, the Regular Lodges and Masons of the State of Iowa,

purposed to meet in the city, of DES MOINES, IOWA, August
26th, A. D. 1884, in called Convention, at 10 o'clock A. M., in
the Masonic Hall of North Star Lodge, No. 51, for the
purpose of organizing a Grand Lodge of A. F. & A. M. in and
for the State of Iowa.
Lodges Delegates
North Star No. 31, Des Moines B. F. Peniston

Sims, No. 50, Oskaloosa J. D. Bush
North Star, No. 51, Keokuk R. Cryst
Reed, No. 79, Red Oak J. S. Reid
Mt. Olive, No. 86, Cedar Rapids 0. B. Clare
Clark, No. 6, Davenport A. Clark
Centerville Lodge, Centerville J. H. Bundy
Cedar Grove Lodge, Muchakinock L. H. Reynolds
Committee on Call: Bros. A. Harris, M. N. Bell, S. Fox, E.

C. Thomas, J. Sims, J. S. Reid, A. Clark.
Proceedings of the Convention of Masons of the State of Iowa,

and formation of the M. W. Hiram Grand Lodge of the State of
Iowa. Held in Masonic Hall, North Star Lodge No. 31, in East Des
Moines, Iowa, August 26, 1884.
Pursuant to a regular call issued as per arrangement

made on the 23rd day of April, 1884, a convention of the
following Lodges being present, viz. Clark, No. 6, Davenport,
Iowa; North Star, No. 31, Des Moines, Iowa; Sims, No. 5 0,
Oskaloosa, Iowa; Star, No. 51, Keokuk, Iowa; Mt. Olive, No.
86, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Cedar Grove No. ??, Muchakinock,
Iowa, formerly members of the M. W. Grand Lodge of
Missouri, etc., met in the Hall of North Star Lodge, No. 31, in
the city of Des Moines, Iowa, at 10 o'clock, A. M., for the
purpose of considering the expediency of organizing a Grand
Lodge for the State of Iowa and its jurisdiction.
Bro. A. Harris, of Keokuk, Iowa, called the convention to
order and nominated Bro. Alexander Clark as chairman, who
was elected.
82
On motion of Bro. J. Sims, Bro. Amos Johnson was

chosen as Secretary.
Bro. Alexander Clark on taking the chair, made a brief
address showing our status as Masons and urged calmness
in discussion and action.
On motion a committee of seven, (7) was appointed to
enroll those entitled to vote on all questions before this
body. Committee: Bros. J. Sims, R. Cryst, A. A. Pierce, J.
Jimmerson, J. D. Bush, B. F. Peniston and M. N. Bell. The
committee on their return made the following report which
on motion was adopted:
REPORT
Your committee beg leave to report the following

representatives from Lodges and Past officers entitled to
vote on all subjects before this body.
Clark, No. 6--Alexander Clark, W. M.

North Star, No. 31--F. Penison, W. M., Robt. Webster, Sr.
W., Wm. Smith, Jr. W.
Sims, No. 50--D. Bush, W. M.; Henry Kitchen, Jr. W.
Star, No. 51--Richard Cryst, W. M.; C. Bates, Jr. W.
Reid, No. 79--A. F. Bird, Sr. W.
Mt. Olive, No. 86--A. A. Pierce, W. M.; O. B. Clare, Sr. W
Cedar Grove, No. ??--Joseph Jimmerson, proxy.
Past Grand Officers of the M. W. Grand Lodge of Missouri
Alexander Clark, P. G. M., P. D. G. M., P. G. Tr., P. G. Secy.;

Alfred Harris, P. G. Sr. Warden; John Sims, P. G. Sr. Warden;
L. H. Reynolds, P. G. Sr. Warden; C. S. Gormer, P. G. Jr.
Warden.
Past Masters:--Jno. Sims, T. H. M. Benton, A. Harris, S. Fox,

C. S. Gormer, E. C. Thomas, 0. B. Clare, Jos. Jimmerson, S. B.
Smith, L. H. Reynolds, J. E. Todd, M. N. Bell, W. H. Brown, A.
Johnson.
Respectfully submitted.
JOHN SIMS,
J. D. BUSH,
A. A. PIERCE,
RICHARD CRYST,
B. F. PENISTON,
83
JOSEPH JIMERSON,
M. N. BELL,
Committee
The committee also reported Bro. W. F. Wilkinson, P. C.

Jr. Warden and a P. M. of Illinois, and recommended that he
be allowed a seat. It was so ordered and adopted.
On motion of Bro. John Sims it was so ordered that we
proceed to form by organization a Grand Lodge for the State
of Iowa and its jurisdiction,
On motion a committee of seven (7) was raised on

constitution.
Committee elected, A. Clark, Jno. Sims, Alfred Harris, M.
N. Bell, Joseph Jimerson, A. A. Pierce and A. Johnson.
On motion it was ordered that the Secretary furnish the city
press with the proceedings.
On motion the convention adjourned until 2 P. M.
AFTERNOON SESSION
The convention convened as per adjournment. Officers in

their places.
Minutes of the morning session read and approved.
The committee on Constitution reported, a Constitution,
which on, motion was adopted, as a whole. (See same.).
It was on motion ordered that we now proceed as a
committee of the whole to organize the M. W. Hiram Grand
Lodge for the State of Iowa and its Masonic jurisdiction and
elect its officers for the ensuing Masonic year.
The various stations were filled and invocation to the
throne of Grace was offered by Bro. E. 0. Thomas, Grand
Chaplain.
The following brethren were appointed as tellers: Bros.
Todd, Clare and Benton.
On motion Bro. A. Clark was nominated and elected by
acclamation M. W. Grand Master; Bro. John Sims, P. G. Sr.
Warden was appointed to cast the unanimous vote of the
Grand Lodge. The tellers reported the same. He was
accordingly duly declared elected M. W. Grand Master.
The election proceeded, the tellers reporting the results,
declarations duly made and the following Grand officers
were elected:
Deputy Grand Master, Alfred Harris.

84
Grand Sr. Warden, A. A. Pierce.

Grand Jr. Warden, Joseph Jimerson.
Grand Treasurer, John Sims.
Grand Secretary, Miles N. Bell.
Grand Lodge called from labor to refreshment until 7:30 P.

M.
EVENING SESSION
The M. W. Hiram Grand Lodge called from refreshment

to labor at 7:30, P. M. G. M. (A. Clark) presiding.
Prayer by the Grand Chaplain, Bro. E. C. Thomas.
Minutes of afternoon session read and approved.
The following places were put in nomination for holding
tile next communication: Keokuk, Cedar Rapids and Des
Moines, Iowa. Keokuk, Iowa, was selected as the place. On
motion a warrant was granted to Cedar Grove Lodge at
Muchakinock.
On motion the Secretary was authorized to procure all
things necessary for his office as soon as possible.
On motion it was ordered that the subordinate lodges
secure the warrants under the M. W. Hiram Grand Lodge for
seven and one-half dollars ($7.50).
It was decided that all Masons, from the so-called
African Grand Lodge be healed on their applying for
membership.
Bro. A. Harris offered the following resolution which was
adopted.
Resolved, That each subordinate Lodge pay into the

hands of the Grand Secretary six (6) dollars for the purpose
of purchasing Grand Lodge jewels, at least three (3) months
before the meeting of the Grand Lodge.
It was moved and so ordered that a vote of thanks be
and is hereby tendered to the officers and members of North
Star Lodge No. 31, for the grand manner in which they have
entertained the members of the Grand Lodges; also to Bro.
Amos Johnson for the efficient manner in which he has
discharged the duties of the secretary during the sessions.
At this stage of the proceedings at the request of the
Grand Lodge, Bro. Amos Johnson, assisted by Bro. J. D.
Bush installed the following Grand Officers in due and ample
form:
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Elected and Appointed Officers of the M. W. Hiram Grand

Lodge for Iowa, of A. F. & A. M. for the Masonic Year, A. D.,
1884-85.
Alexander Clark, Muscatine, Iowa, M. W. G. M.

A. Harris, Keokuk, Iowa, R. W. D. G. M.
A. A. Pierce, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, G. S. W.
Jos. Jimerson, Muchakinock, Iowa, G. J. W.
J. Sims, Oskaloosa, Iowa, G. Treasurer.
M. N. Bell, East Des Moines, Iowa, G. Secretary
J. D. Bush, Oskaloosa, Iowa, W. G. R. f
L. H. Reynolds, Muchakinock, Iowa, G. L.
Rev. W. A. Dove, Keokuk, Iowa, G. C.
Rev. George Chambers, Davenport, Iowa, G. C.
Rev. E. C. Thomas, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, G. C.
B. F. Penison, Des Moines, Iowa, G. M. C.
T. H. M. Benton, Sigourney, Iowa, G. Marshall.
S. Fox, Keokuk, Iowa, G. Sword Bearer.
J. S. Reid, Red Oak, Iowa, G. Standard Bearer.
0. B. Clare, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, G. S. D.
R. Cryst, Hamilton, Illinois, G. J. D.
J. E. Todd, Des Moines, Iowa, G. S. S.
J. Q. A. Williams, Red Oak, Iowa, G. T. S.
C. S. Gomer, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, G. Tyler.
Committee on Foreign Correspondence: M. N. Bell, L. H.

Reynolds, J. D. Bush.
No further business appearing for consideration, the
Grand Master assisted by his Grand Officers, proceeded to
close the M. W. Grand Lodge in ample form, to meet on the
Fourth Tuesday in July, 1885, in the city of Keokuk, Iowa, at
10 o'clock A. M.
ALEXANDER CLARK, G. M.
Muscatine, lowa
Miles M. Bell, Grand Secretary
There is no doubt that the organization of Hiram Grand Lodge was

advised and encouraged by the Grand Lodge of Missouri. At the first
opportunity, which was the annual session of 1885, it gave it fraternal
recognition and whole-hearted support, as is shown by the following
letter published in the Western Herald of October 1885:
86
Mr. Editor:--Information has reached me that the status

of Hiram Grand Lodge has been questioned, and that
irresponsible parties have industriously circulated a report
that the M. W. Grind Lodge of Missouri has refused to
recognize Hiram Grand Lodge of Iowa . You will do the craft
of this jurisdiction a special favor to publicly announce
through the columns of your paper for the benefit of the
Iowa Masons that such is not the truth, and that Missouri
heartily acknowledges, the sovereignty of "Hiram Grand
Lodge and we extend to them our deepest sympathy in
their struggle for the right.
With fraternal regards, I beg leave to remain
Yours truly,
J. H. PELHAM, G. M.
There was some uncertainty at the time this letter was published
as to the exact action of the Grand Lodge of Missouri, due, perhaps,
to the report made by the Committee having that matter in charge;
but this letter from the Grand Master settled all dispute on that
question.
Hiram Grand Lodge at once began a spirited campaign for
recognition among the leading Grand Lodges of the country. It made
its strongest appeal to the Grand Lodge of Illinois and not only asked
for recognition by that Grand Body, but also demanded that Illinois
withdraw its recognition of African Grand Lodge, and in this action
was supported by the Grand Lodge of Missouri. The contest was
carried to the floor of the Illinois Grand Lodge at its annual session
in Springfield in October, 1885, and is reported in the official
proceedings for that year. It is interesting reading and shows the
strong feeling that had been aroused in the minds of both sides.
Some parts of this report are to be found in the report of Foreign
Correspondence in the Proceedings of African Grand Lodge for 1886.
The Illinois proceedings for 1885 contain the following:
On the 2nd day of the meeting of the Grand Lodge, the

following distinguished brethren were reported. Brother A.
A. Bland, Most Worshipful Grand Master of the African
Grand Lodge of Iowa, and Brother Alexander Clark, Past
Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Missouri and present
Grand Master of Hiram Grand Lodge of Iowa, and Brother
Amos Johnson, Past Grand Lecturer of Missouri. Brother A.
Clark, Grand Master of Hiram Grand Lodge of Iowa,
presented the following communication:
We, the Most Worshipful Hiram Grand Lodge A. F. & A.
M. of Iowa, U. S., send greetings, fraternity, unity and love,
87
and with a desire to cultivate a more harmonious union, do

by these presents pray your Grand Lodge the interchange of
representatives to the end of a more fraternal relation
between the two Grand Bodies, your Grand Lodge and ours.
And for the above purposes have this day and date
appointed R. W. Bro. John G. Jones as our representative
near your Grand Lodge, trusting that your Grand Lodge will
reciprocate by the appointment of a representative near our
Grand Lodge.
It was moved by Bro. R. E. Moore that the communication be

received and referred to the Committee on Foreign Correspondence.
The motion to refer was, opposed by Bro. John G. Jones. It was
moved by Bro. T. W. Jones that the motion of Bro. Moore be upon
the table. Motion carried, Bro. J. C. Gross moved that the
communication from Hiram Grand Lodge be received and that Grand
Master A. A. Bland of African Grand Lodge of Iowa; and Bro. A. Clark
of Hiram Grand Lodge of Iowa, both being present, should he heard
upon the matter of recognition in open Grand Lodge. Motion carried,
Bro. Clark was introduced and at length explained the organization of
the two Grand Lodges, and severely condemned African Grand Lodge
and Bro. Bland. Bro. R. E. Moore, representative of African Grand
Lodge, objected to the severe criticism of Bro. Clark. Bro. Amos
Johnson replied to Bro. Moore's objections in part, as follows:
I have been requested by telegram from M. W. Br. Robert

Pelham to represent him before the Grand Lodge of Illinois
in behalf of Hiram Grand Lodge of Iowa, and, in obedience to
his request, I am here. Not for the purpose alone of asking
this Most Worshipful Grand Lodge to exchange
representatives with Hiram Grand Lodge, but to say to you
that you should withdraw your representative from African
Grand Lodge of Iowa, and to say to the two Grand Lodges to
return home and settle their own affairs. I do not believe
that the Grand Lodge of Illinois can afford to lose the
recognition of two or three thousand Masons on one side,
as represented by the Grand Lodge of Missouri, for two or
three hundred on the other side, as represented by the
African Grand Lodge of Iowa; nor should you be influenced
to hold to African Grand Lodge for the sake of holding the
few chapters and commanderies located in the State of Iowa
belonging to the Grand Chapter and Grand Commandery of
Illinois.
88
It now being the hour of 5:30 the Grand Lodge was called off. The
Grand Master announced, it being the sense of the Grand Lodge, that
the matter would be taken up for further consideration at 11:00 the
following day.
At the morning session Thursday, the Iowa matter was then
called up. It was moved by Bro. John Gross that one hour be given to
the hearing of arguments, fifteen minutes each for Bros. Clark and
Jones, representing Hiram Grand Lodge, and fifteen minutes each for
Bro. Bland, Grand Master of African Grand Lodge of Iowa, and R. E.
Moore, representative of African Grand Lodge at the Grand Lodge of
Illinois. Motion carried.
Bro. Clark arose and stated that:
The object of his visit to the Grand Lodge is to lay before

this honorable body the status of the two Grand Lodges in
Iowa. He then proceeded to read a carefully prepared paper,
treating the subject in a very clever manner, and reiterated
what he had previously stated: that the African Grand Lodge
was organized with less than half of the lodges located in
the State of Iowa, and that attempts had been made to
organize before they succeeded; and when they organized he
was in the city of London attending the Ecumenical Council.
He prayed the brethren before leaving this country to not
take action in such organization until his return. He charged
that some of the brethren who took part in the organization
of African Grand Lodge were expelled from the Grand Lodge
of Missouri. He said: now I will say to you, brethren, that
the brethren of Iowa who compose Hiram Grand Lodge,
elected your servant to the high position of Grand Master
against my own desire; but believing that we are right, and
for the good of' the craft, we ask an exchange of
representatives.
Bro. A. A. Bland, M. W. Grand Master of African Grand Lodge, said
That he would not take up the time of the Grand Lodge

in rehearsing what had often been stated to this Grand
Lodge in the past four years, but would deny what had been
said by the previous speaker in regard to the illegal
organization of African Grand Lodge, and I am prepared to
prove, if necessary, that all was done that is required by law
or custom in the organization of Grand Lodges. It is true
that several attempts were made before we succeeded in
organizing the Grand Lodge; but the cause of our failure is
89
due to the very unmasonic practice resorted to by Bro. Clark

and a few others who were associated with him. But when
he started for London we had him in a boat. We then
succeeded in forming African Grand Lodge in peace and
harmony.
I shall leave our interest in this matter with the Grand
Representative of African Grand Lodge, Bro. R. E. Moore, to
present our objection to the recognition of the so-called
Hiram Grand Lodge by the M. W. Grand Lodge of Illinois.
Bro. J. G. Jones whose name appeared in the application of Bro.

Clark as the brother he had appointed to represent Hiram Grand
Lodge, said
That he had been named as the representative of Hiram
Grand Lodge to the Grand Lodge of Illinois, and I believe
that the Grand Lodge which I represent is the legal Grand
Lodge of Iowa and jurisdiction. And I will prove beyond a
reasonable doubt to any set of men who claim to be
Masons, that African Grand Lodge should not any longer be
recognized by this Grand Lodge.
Continuing his remarks, when referring to a lodge called J. C.

Jones Lodge, located at Council Bluffs, Bro. D. W. Dempey asked Bro.
Jones several questions and elicited answers which were complete
contradictions to what he (Jones) had stated to the Grand Lodge in
reference to the part that Jones Lodge had taken in the organization
of African Grand Lodge, and Bro. Dempey stated that Bro. Jones had
told him these things himself, but states it very differently to the
Grand Lodge. At this point Bro. Jones used very obnoxious language
to Bro. Bland, which a number of the brethren of the Grand Lodge
objected to, and also objected to his speaking any longer upon the
subject.
The M. W. Grand Master seated Bro. Jones, and required of him to

make any apology to the Grand Lodge for the used.
Bro. Jones then asked the pardon of the Grand Lodge for his hasty
remarks and resumed his seat."
Bro. R. E. Moore addressing the Grand Lodge said:
As the representative of African Grand Lodge of Iowa, I

regret very much indeed that this matter should be brought
before this Grand Lodge in the manner that it has.
Yesterday, when the paper was presented, I endeavored to
have it referred to the committee on Foreign Relations. But
so anxious was the brother who was named as
90
representative for Hiram Grand Lodge, and several others in

it, to have their interest represented, that they preferred to
violate the law of the Grand Lodge rather than to miss the
chance of forcing an issue upon a matter that should
demand a careful consideration by a committee before being
discussed in the grand body and, as the representative of
African Grand Lodge of Iowa, which has been received and
so acknowledged by this Grand Lodge, I am now compelled
to speak against any attempt to recognize the so-called
Hiram Grand Lodge of Iowa.
If such should be done, you then place this Most
Worshipful Grand Lodge on record as an exponent of
concurrent jurisdiction in every State where Grand Lodges
are already organized, which I oppose, believing it to be
contrary to Masonic polity, and very dangerous to the peace
and prosperity of Masonry throughout this great country.
The plan that has been laid out by the brethren who have
brought this matter before us is a slick one."
The M. W. G. M. of Missouri by telegraph requested the
silver-tongued orator of Mo., Bro. Amos Johnson, to come
here to represent him and the Grand Lodge of Mo., a very
doubtful proceeding indeed on the part of the Grand Master
of Mo. You will remember how Bro. Johnson almost
electrified us with his eloquence. And well should you
remember how he insulted us with his broad insinuations of
what would be the attitude of the Grand Lodge of Mo., if we
refused recognition to Hiram Grand Lodge. There may
perhaps in such a thought some recollections be;
recollections of the time when a few men like himself those
less boisterous than themselves to humbly bow at their
command. Proudly did he tell us that we should not hold to
African Grand Lodge for the sake of a few chapters and
commanders in the State of Iowa, who belonged to the
Grand Chapter and Grand Commandery of Illinois. If he
voiced the sentiment of the Grand Lodge of Mo. when he
said, 'That the Grand Lodge of Illinois could not 'afford to
hold on to the two or three hundred Masons belonging to
African Grand Lodge and lose the recognition of the three
thousand five hundred or four thousand Masons belonging
to the Grand Lodge of Mo. and Hiram Grand Lodge of Iowa.' I
now answer by saying that we are thankful for the
information, and instead of holding on to two or three
hundred we are holding on the principle that is involved in
the matter, and are now supported by some fifteen or
twenty thousand colored Masons in this country, and by
91
nineteen grand lodges that have exchanged representatives

with African Grand Lodge. When our ears were being tickled
by our imported brother, I felt like saying to him as did
Hamlet to the ghost of Banquo, 'Avant! and quit our sight;
let the earth hide you; your bones are marrowless, your
blood is cold; there is no speculation in those eyes that
glare upon us so! Hence, horrible shadows of unreal
mockery; hence!'
Since the brethren who dragged this matter before this
Grand Lodge have been so bold in defending their position, I
am not at all inclined to be silent in regard to the matter for
I have some recollection of the work done by or under the
authority of the brother who claims to be Grand Master of
the so-called Hiram Grand Lodge. Right here I wish to ask
Bro. Clark if he is acquainted with S. B. Walker, W. Ingrehom,
A. Curry, Chas. Smith, Barber and Thompson, and, is not it a
fact that these men lived in the cities of Rock Island and
Moline of this state. (Bro. Clark said that he knew the men,
and believed that some of them lived in Illinois.)
I will say that all of the above named live in the places
named, and under your authority, and you being present at
the time, did take these men from the jurisdiction of King
Solomon Lodge, No. 20, of Moline, Ill., a lodge under the
jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, across the river to the city
of Burlington Iowa, and there conferred upon them the three
degrees of Masonry, which was done under the jurisdiction
of the so-called Hiram Grand Lodge, and today these men are
members of the Clark Lodge of Burlington.
This work was done against the protest of King Solomon
Lodge of Moline; and by that act you almost destroyed that
lodge, and today you stand up in this Grand Lodge and ask
that this Grand Lodge exchange representatives with your
Hiram Grand Lodge. As Masons, we know of a Hiram Abiff,
but must decline the honor of Knowing Hiram of Iowa,
under such unsavory circumstances. To the plea, 'Withdraw
your representatives from African Grand Lodge, and let the
two grand lodges of Iowa settle their own difference,' I will
say: as a sovereign Grand Lodge we do not ask to be dictated
to, nor will we attempt to dictate to any sovereign Grand
Lodge what they should do. If that be your theory, go home
and settle it, and may God inspire you all to do so without
any interference on our part, And If that should he
accomplished you will then be doing what is required of you
as men and Masons.
92
Help rebuild the temple, and not try to tear it down; kill
the workmen or ruin their character, as was attempted to do
before this Grand Lodge by one of the speakers.
I will conclude by saying to the members of this Grand
Lodge never be it said of you that you willingly surrendered
your Masonic principle as men and Masons, merely to
satisfy the insatiable lust of a few brethren in Iowa for
dominion in that jurisdiction over the legitimate Grand
Lodge in that State, to whom Illinois was the first to
exchange representatives with, and has since been followed
by eighteen other Grand Lodges. Trusting sincerely in your
honesty and fair dealing, I am willing for you to settle this
matter by your vote.
Bro. Jas. Hollinger then offered the following resolution:
RESOLVED, That we deem it inexpedient for this Grand

Lodge, to withdraw our representative from African Grand
Lodge or to grant an exchange of representatives with the
so-called Hiram Grand Lodge.
The above resolution was unanimously adopted.

M. W. ALEXANDER CLARK, Grand Master
In conformity with the provisions of its constitution the 'Most

Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the
State of Iowa, assembled in the hall of Star Lodge Number 51,
Keokuk, Iowa, in its first annual communication, the Fourth Tuesday
(28th day) in July, A. L. 5885, A. D. 1885.
Most Worshipful Alexander Clark, Grand Master, called the Grand
Lodge to order, at 10 o'clock A. M. Invocation to the throne of Grace
by Grand Chaplain, Rev. E. C. Thomas.
P. M. Bro. S. Fox, in a few well-chosen words welcomed the Grand
Lodge to the hall and hospitality of Star Lodge Number 5. Grand
Master A. Clark accepted, on behalf of the Grand Lodge.
ROLL CALL OF GRAND OFFICERS
Grand Officers present:

M. W. Grand Master, Alexander Clark
R. W. Grand Sr. Warden, A. A. Pierce
R. W. Grand Jr. Warden, Jos. Jimmerson
93
R. W. Grand Treasurer, John Sims

R. W. Grand Secretary. M. N. Bell
W. Grand Registrar, J. D. Bush
W. G. L., Rev. L. H. Reynolds. W
Grand Chaplain, Rev. E. C. Thomas
W. Grand S. Bearer, S. Fox
W. Grand J. D., R. Krys
CALL OF LODGES
Represented as follows:
North Star Lodge No. 1, M. N. Bell, proxy
Sims Lodge, No. 2, J. D. Bush, W. M.
Mount Olive Lodge, No. 3, A. A. Pierce, W. M.
Cedar Grove Lodge, No. 4, L. H. Reynolds. W. M.
Star Lodge No. 5, J. W. Smith, W. M.
Clark Lodge, No. 6, Alex. Clark, W. M.
Reed Lodge, No. 7, A. F. Bird, W. M.
More than the constitutional number of lodges being present, the

Grand Master, assisted by the Grand Officers, proceeded to open the
M. W. Hiram Grand Lodge on the third rank of Masonry. Committee
on credentials appointed M. N. Bell, Jos. Jimmerson, and N. Dorsett.
Committee on Credentials Report, further as follows:
We find the following brethren, representatives, present and

entitled to seats and votes in this Grand Lodge:
North Star Lodge, No. 1, M. N. Bell, proxy

Sims No. 2, J. D. Bush, W. M.
Mount Olive Lodge, No. 3, A. A. Pierce, W. M.
Cedar Grove Lodge, No. 4, L. H. Reynolds, W. M.
Star Lodge, No, 5, J. W. Smith, W. M.
Clark Lodge, No. 6, Alex Clark, W. M.
Reed Lodge, No., 7, A. F. Bird, W. M.
Past Grand Officers present:
Past G. Master Present, Alexander Clark, P. G. S. W's. J. Sims, L. H.

Reynolds, C. S. Gormer. P. G. J. W., J. Jimmerson. P. C. Treasurer, J.
Sims. P. G. Sec., A. Clark and all the Past Masters present,
The Grand Master in his annual address spoke feelingly of the
assassination of President James A. Garfield. His address was
94
principally devoted to the correspondence which had passed

between him and Grand Master A. A. Bland of African Grand Lodge,
looking toward L union of the two Grand Lodges. This entire
correspondence will be found under the chapter Grand Lodge of
Iowa.
The Grand Treasurer's report showed cash on hand, $135.75. Paid
out on order of the Grand Secretary, $52.78. Balance on hand, $82.97.
The Grand Lodge formed in grand procession and marched to
Gibson's Opera House where the Grand Officers were installed by R.
W. Amos Johnson Grand Lecturer of the Grand Lodge of Missouri.
The Grand Lodge then marched back to the hail where the Grand
Master announced the appointive officers and the same were duly
installed. After which the Grand Master declared the business of the
Grand Lodge finished and, assisted by the Grand Officers, closed in
due and ample form the Most Worshipful Hiram Grand Lodge, to
meet in Oskaloosa, Iowa, the 4th Tuesday in July A. D., 1886, at 10
o'clock A. M.
SECOND ANNUAL COMMUNICATION

Oskaloosa, Iowa, July ??
M. W. ALEXANDER CLARK, Grand Master

R. W. MILES N. BELL, Grand Secretary
Hiram Grand Lodge did not print the proceedings of this

communication. The only record in existence, so far as the writer
knows, is that contained in the Oskaloosa weekly Herald for that
week, a portion of which is here given.
INSTALLATION CEREMONIES
The election of officers occurred on Wednesday, and the

following were elected and appointed:
Elected Officers
Alexander Clark, Muscatine, M. W. G. M.
A. A. Pierce, Cedar Rapids, R. W. D. G. M.
J. Jimeson, Oskaloosa, R. W. G. S. W.
A. F. Bird, Red Oak, R. W. G. J.
John Sims, Oskaloosa, R. W. G. T.
M. N. Bell, Des Moines, R. W. G. S.
Appointed Officers
0. B. Clary, Cedar Rapids, W. G. R.
S. Fox, Keokuk, W. G. L.
95
W. A. Dove, Keokuk, W. G. C.
D. W. Anderson, Keokuk, W. G. C.
E. C. Thomas, Cedar Rapids, W. G.C.
J. Morris, Des Moines, W. G. M. C.
T. H. M. Benton, Sigourney, W. G. M.
T. J. Marshall, Oskaloosa, W. G. S. B.
J. A. Williams, Red Oak, W. G. Sw. B.
R. S. Brown, Muchakinok, W. G. S. D.
H. Kitchley, Muscatine, W. G. J. D.
I. N. Daniels, Oskaloosa, W. G. S. S.
J. E. Todd, Des Moines, W. G. J. S.
C. Davis, Keokuk, W. G. P.
C. S. Gormer, Cedar Rapids, W. G. T.
Committee on foreign correspondence: M. N. Bell, Des Moines; A.

J. Harris, Keokuk; A. Clark, Muscatine.
District Deputy Grand Masters; J. Jimeson, Oskaloosa, Second
district; A, J. Harris, Keokuk, First District.
On Thursday evening the installation ceremonies occurred in
public at the hall of Sims Lodge. Three hall rooms were used for the
occasion and the crowd present was large, and comprised the very
best
t elements of our colored population, both local and State. It
was a very happy and enjoyable time for all presentand for some
a hall was provided where a giddy dance was had.
The next meeting of the Grand Lodge will be at Cedar Rapids, on
the fourth Tuesday in July, 1887. Before adjourning on Thursday
evening the following resolution was adopted:
Resolved, That the thanks of the M. W. Hiram Grand

4 Lodge be and are tendered to the Oskaloosa Herald for
. their kindness in publishing our daily proceedings.
A resolution was also adopted thanking the colored people of

Oskaloosa for the generous hospitality that had been bestowed on
the delegates. They left the city greatly impressed with the fact that
our colored people are whole-souled and that when they undertake
to do anything of this sort, they never fail to make it a success. In
behalf of the delegates it is to be said that they came like
hardworking men, quietly, and without ostentation; they took hold
of their work in a business-like way, and laid plans for the future
success of the organization.
96
t
CHAPTER V.
United Grand Lodge A. F. & A. M. for Iowa

and Jurisdiction
The most outstanding event in the history of Negro Masonry in

Iowa was the union of African Grand Lodge and Hiram Grand Lodge,
which resulted in the organization of the "United Grand Lodge of
Iowa." For more than six years Masonry in Iowa among colored men
had been in a most chaotic condition. African Grand Lodge had
received recognition from most of the leading Grand Lodges in the
country, but Missouri had steadily refused to admit its regularity and
had interdicted all Masonic intercourse with its members. Most of
the Grand Lodges that had recognized African Grand Lodge had
refused to recognize Hiram Grand Lodge. A few, however, had
discarded the doctrine of exclusive jurisdiction and had recognized
both. Missouri had extended recognition to Hiram Grand Lodge and
was giving it whole-hearted support. The discord was bitter and
widespread. It was not wholly confined to the Lodge room, but, as
one writer of that day puts it, "The leaders or representative
members have, resorted to all the practices of political tricksters to
further their aims and have carried the issues from the Lodge to the
Church, to the social circle and o the community at large."
Such was the condition in June, 1885, when the first real effort
was made looking to a union of the two Grand Lodges. It was
launched thru the medium of an open letter sent to each of the
Grand Masters. It does not appear that this letter had been inspired
by either of the Grand Bodies, or that it had any official endorsement.
It will be noticed that neither Mr. Bell nor Mr. Cleggett signed the
letter in his official capacity as Grand Secretary, but as a member of
his organization. The letter which follows is to be found in the
printed proceedings of Hiram Grand Lodge for 1885, but it is not
printed in the proceedings of African Grand Lodge for that year. It is,
however, acknowledged by Grand Master Bland in the
correspondence that followed its reception.
OPEN LETTER
Des Moines, Iowa, June 15, 1885.

To the M. W. G. Masters of the M. W. Hiram Grand Lodge
and the M. W. African Grand Lodge of the State of Iowa: Dear
Brethren:
The undersigned having carefully considered all the
pending differences between the aforesaid Grand Lodges,
97
have concluded to and do waive all personal feeling and

unqualifiedly agree and recommend that some steps ought
to be taken to the end that a Sovereign Grand Lodge be
formed by organization in this state by the two aforesaid
Grand Lodges. Hoping that yourselves may agree upon a plan
that will adjust the differences and bring about that unit,
due from Mason to Mason,
We are yours very fraternally,
MILES N. BELL, Member of the M. W. Hiram Grand Lodge
G. H. CLEGGETT, Member of the M. W. African Grand
Lodge.
The results of this open letter can best be understood by a

perusal of the correspondence exchanged between the two Grand
Masters to whom it was addressed and which is found in printed
proceedings of both Grand Lodges for 1885. The letters given here are
copied from African Grand Lodge Proceedings and, while the wording
in Mr. Clark's replies differs slightly from his replies as printed in the
Proceedings of Hiram Grand Lodge, this difference is immaterial. The
propositions put forward by both Grand Masters and their rejections
are worded exactly alike in both proceedings.
THE CORRESPONDENCE
BLAND'S LETTER NO. 1
KEOKUK, IOWA, June 24, 1885.

Alexander Clark--M. W. Sir: I have received a letter signed
jointly by Miles, N. Bell and George H. Cleggett. They inform,
me that you have a duplicate of the same, and there are
demands made upon us to come to some agreement. Now I
expect to leave here next Monday to visit all the lodges in
Iowa under the A. G. L., and would like to hear from you
before I leave. It would have been much more pleasant to me
to have met you and talked matters over than to do it by
letter, but seeing that there is a general disposition to have
this matter settled on or before the setting of either Grand
body, I make the following proposition, which, I think, will
meet the approval of all parties concerned: That body meet
at its earliest convenience, in special if possible, if not in its
annual; there settle all accounts that may be against them,
and do all the business that is generally done at Grand
session (except election of Grand officers), setting time or
place of next Grand session, not closing the Grand Lodge,
but call off to meet in some place at such time as yourself
and I can agree upon, there to hold a united session to carry
98
out the following propositions: First, That all Grand officers

on both sides are to hold the rank to which they have been
elected. Second, That all the lodges under the Hiram Grand
Lodge be warranted at the expense of the A. G. L. After
which, go into a session and do such business as would be
beneficial to the craft, and elect Grand officers for the
ensuing year.
If this meets your approval, I think all the lodges in Iowa
will be united under one Grand Lodge before the 1st of
August next.
Yours fraternally,
A, A. BLAND.
CLARKS REPLY,
CHICAGO, ILL., June 25, 1885.

Mr. Austin Bland, Keokuk, Iowa.--M. W. Sir: Your letter
bearing date 24th inst. is received, contents carefully
considered, and I am pleased to assure you and all the
legitimate Masons of Iowa among colored men that I am in
sympathy with Bell and Cleggett to the end of forming one
Sovereign Grand Lodge for Iowa, and I am willing that the
two Grand bodies should meet in convention to these ends;
or that a committee consisting of the Grand Masters and
their two Wardens meet and agree upon terms of union, and
that said agreement be submitted to the several subordinate
lodges of both Grand Lodges, and if the majority of the two
bodies agree, then let them meet at a time and place in one
body, and adopt a Constitution and By-Laws, elect their
officers, install the same and henceforth be one Grand
Lodge. Now all this can be done in less than three weeks,
and the officers elect to the two Grand Lodges meet at a
place and time agreed upon by the committee and ratified by
the lodges of both bodies. I approve your suggestion that
the officers of each Grand Lodge retain their rank and title
held in their Grand Lodge at the time of the Union. Now this
plan can be effected and a union made, but it is not
worthwhile for any proposition to be made that will reflect
on either Grand body if they desire union; hence your
proposition of Hiram Grand Lodge subordinates to be
warranted by African Grand Lodge is certainly unreasonable
and can only serve to prevent a union. You certainly know
what any and all such propositions would have the effect to
do, and neither you nor I ought to throw any such obstacle
in the way of a union if the lodges desire a union. Now your
99
Grand Lodge has given warrants to her subordinates and so

has ours, and if the union is to be equal then we all must
remain under one Constitution, issue new warrants in the
name of the new or Sovereign Grand Lodge, whatever that
name may be agreed upon. Now if you agree with me in the
plan herein submitted, let us call the committee to meet on
the 1st of July in Des Moines, Iowa, and on the 5th of the
same month, by order or dispensation from you and myself
to our subordinate lodges, let them ratify our agreement.
Now it you agree, answer by return mail so we can convene
our G. Wardens with us at Des Moines, Iowa, on the 1st, and
then we can have time to visit our subordinates and urge
them to act, etc., in accord with the action of the
committee.
I am fraternally,
ALEX CLARK.
P. S. Preserve this letter, if necessary, for reference.
BLAND'S LETTER NO. 2
KEOKUK, IOWA, July 3, 1885.
Alexander Clark--M. W. Sir: Your letter reached me June

27th but I was on the eve of leaving the city, so I thought I
would find time, while en route, to write you, but deferred
until now. Brother Clark, I have been in great hopes that we
would soon be working under one Grand Lodge in peace and
harmony, but your proposition for the M. W. A. G. L. to
dissolve, that is something that I did not think would be
asked for. Now, Bro. Clark, I want union very badly,
especially in the cities and State at home but cannot pay the
price you place upon union--the life of the M. W. A. Grand
Lodge. Bro. Clark, I must be frank; I cannot accept your
proposition, Ask anything else and I think it will be granted.
Add to my proposition of June 24th whatever you please
save the above mentioned price. Hoping that you will
reconsider your demands and put it in some way that I
could take it before my Grand Lodge with some hopes of
carrying into effect the uniting of all lodges under the one
that is already recognized by the Masonic world. I don't
speak this with any reflection upon your grand body, neither
is it worthwhile for me to give any explanation concerning
the status of the M. W. A. G. L. You are as well posted as I
am upon this matter. If you think there is any other way for
100
us to get together, I hope you will name it before I leave

home, which will be Friday, July 10.
Yours fraternally,
A. A. BLAND.
CLARKS REPLY TO NO. 2

CHICAGO, ILL., July 5, 1885.
Mr. Austin A. Bland, Keokuk, Iowa--MY DEAR SIR: Your
letter bearing date July 3rd, in reply to my letter June 25,
which I telegraphed you of sending it, same is received, and
in reply I am sorry to learn that the union suggested by
Cleggett, Bell and others of the two Grand bodies, rests with
your dictation, therefore I have no further proposition to
make upon this much desired union. I was led to believe
from Bell and Cleggett that the matter was to be arranged by
a committee, or by the two Grand bodies in convention, but
you say the only terms is for our lodges to join your Grand
Lodge. What union is in this, and that at your dictation. I
say now I will not. If the two Grand Lodges want to unite in
one I am willing, but not for you to dictate that, but it must
be left to the two Grand bodies. I want none of your W. D.
Mathews in mine. I will not have it.
I am yours, etc.,
ALEX CLARK.
I have sent your letters and mine to Bell and Cleggett. They
may do as they please.
Both Grand Masters submitted this correspondence to their

respective Grand Lodges in 1885, with but little comment so far as
the record shows. Grand Master Blands comment was included in
one of his recommendation in which he said:
In conclusion of my recommendations I wish to make a

statement. There has been a conference held by the Grand
Secretaries of the A. G. L. and the body styling itself the
Hiram Grand Lodge, and a number of the officers and
members of the two Grand bodies, having for its object the
uniting of all the lodges in the State into one Grand Lodge.
The result of this conference was that the matter was
referred to the two Grand Masters, Alex Clark and myself,
and we requested to devise a plan of a union. I
communicated at once with Bro. Clark, but we failed to agree
upon a plan, I therefore refer the entire matter, together with
101
all papers of correspondence, to this Grand Lodge for their

consideration, with the recommendation that this Grand
Lodge devise some plan whereby all subordinate lodges on
both sides may have a voice in saying how and when this
union shall be affected.
Grand Master Clark, in his annual address, said:
We would recommend: That all intercourse between the

members of this so-called African Grand Lodge and the M.
W. Grand Lodge for the State of Missouri and jurisdiction, be
interdicted. Notwithstanding all the above insubordinations
and irregularity in their organization and their bad faith and
conduct to the Grand Lodge, which they were members of,
we, at the request and suggestion of Bro. M. N. Bell, our
Grand Secretary, and Bro. Cleggett, Grand Secretary of
African Grand Lodge, requesting a union of the two bodies
to the end of forming one Sovereign Grand Lodge for Iowa,
and saying that A. A. Bland, Grand Master of African Grand
Lodge, was willing and that he would write me on the
subject of union, etc. I was willing for a union and upon the
receipt of his letter tendered the olive branch of compromise
as set forth in the correspondence between Bland and myself
which I submit herewith.
An analysis of this correspondence shows clearly what was in the

mind of each of the Grand Masters. Both declare in favor of Masonic
unity in Iowa and a single Grand Lodge. But each had a distinct and
conflicting purpose in view, either of which would have resulted in a
single Grand Lodge in Iowa, but neither leader willing to make as
great a sacrifice as demanded by the other to accomplish that end.
The Bland proposition simply meant the dissolution of Hiram Grand
Lodge and its subordinate Lodges receiving warrants from African
Grand Lodge. This plan would have resulted in the recognition and
perpetuation of African Grand Lodge which had been organized under
the most determined opposition, but had now functioned and
progressed for more than four years. It was the glorified ambition of
its heroic leader that African Grand Lodge should be recognized and
perpetuated as the first and only regular Grand Lodge in the state of
Iowa, and from this hope and purpose he never retracted his efforts
until he met defeat in the Convention by the narrow margin of five
votes.
Grand Master Clark who had led the opposition to the
organization of African Grand Lodge and had made a determined and
losing fight against its recognition by other Grand Lodges, was
102
determined that no union should obtain that did not end the
existence of African Grand Lodge and result in its dissolution. That is
what did happen when the United Grand Lodge was formed. But so
long as it was in the power of these two strong and determined
leaders to agree upon a basis of union, it was clear to all that no
progress would be made, and both had recommended that no further
steps be taken in the matter. The two members whose signatures
were affixed to the Open Letter issued statements over their official
signatures in their 1885 proceedings, reviewing the whole controversy
and in support of their respective Grand Lodges, Bro. Cleggett's
statement follows
TO THE TRUTH-LOVING READERS AND ALL TRUE

MASONS, A SHORT EXPLANATION
Those who are best acquainted with the trouble between

the African Grand Lodge of Iowa and the Hiram Grand Lodge,
will not be surprised at anything they may read from Alex.
Clark. He has accused the members of the African Grand
Lodge of everything that was unmasonic, and he still claims
that some of were expelled, and calls them all sorts of
names, When we were talking about organizing a Grand
Lodge he went about the State and worked against it, and
said we could not support a Grand Lodge, and had his
figures to prove it. And at our first convention he was there,
and by his opposition caused an adjournment without doing
anything. At the second convention he was on hand,
adjourned it himself. But a majority of the Masons of Iowa
bound to have a Grand Lodge, and the third call was made,
and we met at Keokuk and organized the African Grand of
Iowa. Since then our trouble began. Some of the members of
North Star Lodge No. 31 left the lodge; they took in two
suspended members, and one expelled one, who had been
expelled for five years and Missouri granted them the old
warrant. This is there are two lodges in Des Moines. They
have made Masons for $1.00, and they done everything they
could to the African Grand Lodge and North Star, No. 2. M.
N. Bell is the leader of the opposition in Des Moines. Some
of their best members have left them and united with us,
and not one of our members has left us to go with them.
And this is the fact in Keokuk, where the same state of
affairs exists. They claim a lodge in Red Oak, which all fair
and truth-loving gentlemen will admit is false. And the same
is true of Centreville; there is no lodge there. And for Clark
Lodge, there was only Bro. A. Clark left, and he held the
103
warrant and moved it from Washington to Davenport, where

we don't hear from it. They say they had one meeting since
the organization of the Hiram Bluff. Calling names and
threatening does not help to harmonize or create harmony.
Bro. Alex Clark raves at A. A. Bland because he did not
accept his proposition. Why did not Mr. Clark try and make
some other terms of settlement? I am sure that every
member of North Star Lodge, No. 2, is in favor of some
honorable settlement? We think the legality of the Grand
Lodge of Iowa is too well-established to be moved about by
any discontented and dissatisfied malcontents. Bro. Clark
would jump at any plan to destroy the Grand Lodge of Iowa--
that is, the African. He has opposed it from the start, and,
like the fellow who swore the horse was sixteen feet high,
what he said first he will stick to. And as to Clark Lodge at
Davenport, he could not find timber enough in Davenport,
so he went to Illinois and got enough men to set up a lodge.
These are facts. Bro. Clark has had the respect and esteem of
the Iowa Masons, but the disposition he has shown to make
trouble and dissatisfaction and contention, has caused a
reaction, and some of the best men of the Hiram faction are
getting tired, and think it is time to call a halt. All the cry
about A. A. Bland being expelled is bosh. They never gave
him notice or had one ghost of a trial. Why the Grand Lodge
of Missouri expelled N. W. Bettis, and sent him word if he
would leave the African Grand Lodge they would reinstate
him, which he did, and they set him right and he is a
member of York Lodge now. Bro. Boyd, of Ohio, has
discussed the trouble between Iowa and Missouri, and we
think that all fair minded men will see, after reading Bro.
Boyd on the legality of the Grand Lodge of Iowa, that we are
right and our legality is beyond question. There is nothing
new in Bro. Alex Clark's address. The same things were said
and the same charges made in 1881 and 1882, and they keep
them going. It is true that we want peace and harmony, but
we don't propose to do away with our Grand Lodge to get it,
because we know that we would not have peace and
harmony even then, for we know the turbulent element in
their midst. We who have been through the fight know that a
few of their leaders would rather have trouble any time than
peace, and we don't believe they want harmony. All the
leading members of the Hiram Bluff were in favor of a Grand
Lodge for Iowa, and if it was not for personal spite, Bell,
Harris, and Sims would he with us, but they left because
John Page and Austin Bland were sure to be elected Grand
104
Master and Grand Secretary. These are facts. We copy Bro.

Boyd on Iowa in our review of Ohio. If Bro. Clark was so
anxious for peace and harmony when they organized the
Hiram Bluff one year ago they might have had it. We offered a
protest against the organization, but he would not accept
anything but an unconditional surrender from the African
Grand Lodge. Nothing would suit him but that we should
come to him, and beg his pardon and ask his mercy. We to
comply and therefore Bro. Clark is mad. We leave the subject
with the fraternity.
Yours, G. H. CLEGGETT, Grand Secretary.
Mr. Bell as Grand Secretary and C. C. F. C. of Hiram Grand Lodge,

in commenting upon the recognition of African Grand Lodge by the
Grand Lodge of Ohio, writes as follows:
In giving the history of African Grand Lodge for Iowa the

brethren seem not to be well informed as to facts. Under
Iowa they say: A Convention of representatives of all the
Lodges of Colored Masons in Iowa was called, and did meet
at Des Moines, October 12, 1880. The Convention met at that
time, and adjourned to meet at Ottumwa, December 20,
1880,
The convention again met at the, time and place, and
again adjourned to meet at the call of the Chairman. The
Chairman called the convention to meet at Keokuk, August
9, 1881. At which time Sumner Lodge No. 41, Golden Star No.
80, John G. Jones Lodge No. 91, North Star Lodge No. 31 and
York Lodge No. 8, met and the M. W. African Grand Lodge of
Iowa was organized. Proceedings of Convention, 1881, with
Grand Constitution, published. Proceedings 1882 and 1883
also published. All is regular until the adjournment at
Ottumwa.
That Convention did not adjourn to meet on call of
Chairman. It adjourned sine die--on motion of Bro. A. Clark.
We find it difficult to put the case before the Masonic world
in a better and more pointed language than is given in
proceedings of Grand Lodge of Missouri, A. D. 1883, pages
177-9 as follows: Prudent men, when the necessity of the
institution or even its peace, is at stake, will not run the risk
of a decision which may be fatal to it. Now we charge this
cabal with the following flagrant offenses, involving moral
turpitude, during the years 1879, '81, viz.
Slander and backbiting, disobedience of lawful authority;
contumacy to the authority of the Grand Master and Grand
105
Lodge, malfeasance in office, violation of ancient charges,

departure from the original plan of Masonry and ancient
landmarks, disobedience to the Constitution and Laws.
Upon these several counts there was formal arraignment,
and the Grand Lodge after due deliberation and the utmost
fairness, decided that, 'it being made to appear that York
Lodge (not individuals) was in a state of contumacy and that
this M. W. Grand Lodge is sorely aggrieved by the indignity
and insult to which it had been subjected, it is ordered that
said York Lodge, No. 8, be placed under the censure of the
M. W. Grand Lodge, and debarred from any further
participation in the Grand Lodge during its will and
pleasure.' The effect of this judgment was the suspension of
its functions, for the principle is settled, that the functions
of a Lodge may be suspended by the Grand Lodge or Grand
Master at any time upon proper cause shown; when made by
the Grand Master it is limited and terminates with the next
annual communication of the Grand Lodge, when by the
latter it terminates at its will and pleasure. Hence York
Lodge by law is debarred from participation in the
convention. So much for York Lodge. North Star, which is
credited with equal participation, and which furnished the
first Grand Master, never did legally enter the said
convention. A majority of its members, under the coercion
of its W. M., instructed its delegation in favor of an Iowa
Grand Lodge; a minority consisting of nine (9) protested
under the law, which provides for the holding of the charter
so long as seven members desire to work under it, and in
pursuance of their right demanded the charter and property.
In violation of this principle of law, and the vested rights of
the nine members these parties smuggled off the charter and
illicitly joined in constituting the convention.'
'We, the writer, was a member of and present during the
proceedings held in North Star Lodge No. 31, at Des Moines,
Iowa. Fact is that said Lodge surrendered its warrant at last
regular communication before the organization of the
so-called African Grand Lodge. Protest of nine Master
Masons was entered against surrender of warrant. We call
the especial attention of Ohio and all Grand Lodges to
Mackey's Jurisprudence, which the African Grand Lodge
adopted, to use their own words: 'On motion resolved, that
we accept as our standard of law, Mackey's Masonic
Jurisprudence.' See first proceedings of organization of
African Grand Lodge, page S. Now this adopted 'standard'
Mackey, on page 424, says: 'There is no regulation
106
prescribing the precise time at which these warrants are to

be surrendered, but it seems reasonable to suppose that
they could not surrender them before the new Grand Lodge
is organized, because the surrender of a warrant is the
extinction of a Lodge, and the Lodges must preserve their
vitality to give them power to organize the new authority.'
Therefore, North Star Lodge No. 31 was not regular nor
competent to participate. York Lodge No. 8, under censure
and debarred by G. L. of Missouri during its will and
pleasure, also incompetent A. A. Bland and 0. Field expelled
by same Grand Lodge, they, too, by law are prohibited from
Masonic meetings. John G. Jones, Lodge No. 91 sent no
representative, the Lodge on vote being opposed to the
Grand Lodge organization. Sumner Lodge No. 41, and Golden
Star Lodge No. 80, are the only two regular Lodges that
joined in forming this so-called African Grand Lodge.
In view of the above state of facts it seems to us that
no Grand Lodge could come to any conclusion other than
that the formation was not regular, and that the so-called
African Grand Lodge is irregular and clandestine. The Grand
Lodge closed 'in ample form, peace and harmony prevailing,
to meet in the city of Cleveland Ohio, at such date as may be
hereafter determined.
Bro. Bell also submits the following correspondence in
reference to the status of North Star Lodge, No. 31, Des
Moines, at the time it took part in the organization of
African Grand Lodge:
Des Moines, Iowa, May 25, 1885.

Bro. CHAS. S. STEWART;
My Dear Sir and Brother:--You will confer a favor upon
the Masons of this jurisdiction by giving the facts upon the
following:
First--Were you a member of North Star Lodge No. 31 in
1880-1?
Second--What, if any, was your office in said Lodge?
Third--What are the true facts as to the surrender of
warrant No. 31 of said Lodge?
Fourth--Do you know as a fact what number, if any,
protested against said surrender?
You will give the above, please, without bias or other
feeling than to ascertain facts.
Yours,
MILES N. BELL,
107
Grand Secy. of the M. W. Hiram

Grand Lodge for Iowa."
(SEAL)
Des Moines, Iowa, June 1, 1885.
M. N. Bell,
My Dear Sir and Brother:--Your letter bearing date May
25th inst. received and noted. In reply will say to questions
therein asked, viz.
First--I was a member in said Lodge at the time referred
to, and was Secretary. The facts are as follows: at a regular
communication holden Thursday, August 4th, 1881, the
Lodge proceeded to and did surrender warrant No. 11, by a
vote of 11 for and 9 against. The M. W. declared the warrant
duly surrendered to the M. W. Grand Lodge of Missouri.
Also that the M. W., and others of defunct members, joined
in constituting the African G. L. on the 9th day of same
month. And that the Grand Lodge of Missouri, on appeal of
the nine members, sustained their action and continued the
warrant. All of which is duly certified.
Fraternally Yours,
C. S. STEWART.
In 1881 Grand Master Bland who had served for two years as
Grand Master was not a candidate for re-election. The two leading
candidates were Deputy Grand Master J. K. Hilyard of St. Paul, and
Grand Secretary G. H. Cleggett of Des Moines. Bro. Cleggett had given
hearty support to African Grand Lodge and the position taken by its
Grand Master in the matter of a union, and it is difficult today to say
what influence was exerted in the election which caused the results
to be so close, 51 to 50 in favor of Bro. Cleggett. What might have
resulted had Bro. Hilyard been elected no one living today can
discern. It is, however, a well-known fact that Grand Master Cleggett
and Grand Master Clark were soon able to reach a basis of union
which was satisfactory to both. The official record of the proceedings
of both Grand Lodges and the Convention which organized the
United Grand Lodge is the best history obtainable today and is here
given in full.
ORGANIZATION AND PROCEEDINGS
On the 16th day of June, A. D. 1.887, Grand Master G. H.

Cleggett, of the M. W. African Grand Lodge of Iowa, and
Grand Master Alexander Clark, of the M. W. Hiram Grand
Lodge of Iowa, met by agreement in the city of Des Moines,
108
there being present the two Grand Secretaries of the said

Grand Lodges, viz. J. E. Gillam, of African, and M. N. Bell, of
Hiram, also a number of Past Masters from each body, when
and where the following proclamation and agreement was
issued by them and the Grand Secretaries, with the seal of
each Grand Lodge attached to the same:
PROCLAMATION BY THE M. W. G. MASTERS OF AFRICAN

AND HIRAM GRAND LODGES:
BASIS OF UNION:
WHEREAS, There exists in the State of Iowa two separate

bodies known as the Grand Lodges (colored), F. A. A.
Masons, the same having existed for some time, and by said
separation the Masonic and social happiness of the
members of both Grand Lodges has been greatly retarded;
and
WHEREAS, The principles of our time honored institution

demand no such separation; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, Both parties agreeing, that we enter into ways

and means to effect a lasting union of the craft in Iowa, upon
the following basis, viz.
That after the 12th day of July, A. D. 1887, there shall be
but ONE GRAND LOGE OF F. A. A. MASONS (colored) in
Iowa, and to these ends it is hereby agreed that African
Grand Lodge shall meet on the 12th day of July, 1887, in
Grand Lodge session, and call off into convention with the
Hiram Grand Lodge, who shall meet in its Grand Lodge
session on the 12th day of July, and call off and meet said
African Grand Lodge in convention to the following end, viz.
To form one Grand Lodge to be known and called the
United Grand Lodge of Iowa, or by any name the said
convention may fix on, etc.; and it is further ordered that the
Grand Master of each of the said Grand Lodges submit the
above basis of union, and order a vote thereon by their
Lodges, returned to them on or before the 3rd day of July,
1887.
G. H. CLEGGETT,
M. W. G. M. of African Grand Lodge of Iowa
ALEXANDER CLARK,
M. W. G. M. of Hiram Grand Lodge.
109
P. S.--The Worshipful Masters of subordinate Lodges of the

above mentioned Grand Lodges are hereby ordered to call
their Lodges together and take a vote on the said
proposition, as the basis of union of the two Grand Lodges,
and return the result of said votes to the Grand Masters of
said Grand Lodges, on or before the 3rd day of July, 1887.
(SEAL)
PROCEEDINGS OF AFRICAN GRAND LODGE
Pursuant to the above proclamation, and also in its sixth

regular annual session, the M. W. African Grand Lodge
convened in the city of Des Moines, July 12th, A. D. 1887, at
ten o'clock A. M. in the hall of North Star Lodge, No. 2. The
Grand Lodge was opened in ample form in the 3rd degree of
Masonry, Most Worshipful Grand Master G. H. Cleggett
presiding. The throne of grace was addressed by Rev.
Washington, acting as Grand Chaplain.
The roll was called and the following Grand Officers
answered the call:
G. H. Cleggett, M. W. Grand Master.

0. Fields, R. W. Deputy Grand Master.
J. H. Shepard, R. W. S. Grand Warden.
E. W. Vaughn, R. W. J. Grand Warden.
H. H. Lewis, R. W. Grand Treasurer.
J. E. Gillam, R. W. Grand Secretary.
J. K. Hilyard, W. Grand Lecturer.
Rev. Jas. Washington, W. Grand Chaplain.
A. A. Bland, W. Grand Register.
W. H. Jones, W. Grand Marshall.
Geo. Baptist, W. G. M. Ceremonies.
P. Holmes, W. Grand Sword Bearer.
I. Crawford, W. G. Standard Bearer.
Wm. Coalson, W. Grand S. Deacon.
H. H. Hooker, W. G. J. Deacon.
R. H. Taylor, W. Grand S. Steward.
B. J. Fuller, W. Grand J. Steward.
J. Logan, W. Grand Pursuivant.
W. Williams, Grand Tyler.
The reading of the minutes of the last grand session was

dispensed with, each brother being furnished with printed
copies.
110
G. H. Cleggett announced the names of the following

brothers as a committee on credentials.
CommitteeJ. H. Sheppard, J. L. Brooks, R. H. Taylor.
At this time the Grand Lodge had taken a recess of fifteen

minutes.
The Grand Lodge was called and the following standing
committees were appointed by the Grand Master.
Grievances:--Lewis May, S. H. McCracken, H. H. Lewis.

Accounts:--H. Taylor, C. W. Newton, J. K. Hilyard.
Obituaries:--L. H. Reynolds, G. W. Black, H. H. Hooker.
Jurisprudence:--A. Bland, E. W. Vaughn, Orange Fields.
Grand Master's Address:--J. H. Shepard, A. A. Bland, J. L.
Brooks.
Dispensations and Charters:--Zack Taylor, J. K. Hilyard, Wm.
Coalson.
By-Laws of Lodges:--O. Fields, Allen Winn, E. L. Shaw.
Returns:--J. K. Hilyard, H. H. Lewis, E. L. Shaw.
Rules:--E. W. Vaughn, G. W. Baptist, Wm. Coalson.
Report of the Committee on Credentials:
We, your committee on credentials, beg leave to report as

follows:
We find the following brothers, legal representatives of

their respective lodges, and entitled to seats in this grand
lodge:
York No. 1, W. H. Jones.

North Star No. 2, H. H. Hooker.
Sumner No. 3, J. L. Brooks.
Golden Star No. 4, Z. Taylor.
J. K. Hilyard No. 6, J. Crawford.
Garfield No. 7, G. H. Cleggett, proxy.
Newton No. 8, L. Mays.
Lincoln No. 9, E. W. Vaughn, proxy.
King Solomon No. 10, R. H. Taylor.
Eastern Star No. 11, J. F. Lindsay.
Pioneer No. 12, J. K. Hilyard, proxy.
Decatur No. 13, G. W. Baptist.
Anchor No. 14, A. H. Myrick.
111
J. H. SHEPARD,
J. L. BROOKS,
R. H. TAYLOR.
Committee
The Grand Master then read his annual address.
ANNUAL ADDRESS
A time-honored custom renders it incumbent on me at

this time to lay before you an account of my official acts for
the past year.
But first it becomes us to acknowledge that dependence
on God which all the obedient children of His creation
humbly and reverently feel. Masons especially should never
be unmindful of His infinite goodness and unbounded
mercy, His infinite goodness in showering upon them His
manifold blessing, His unbounded mercy in bestowing upon
all His erring children, His tender and protecting care,
because God is the source of all Masonic light and wisdom
and the infinite Being in whom every true Mason puts his
trust, thus acknowledging His goodness and mercy, and
devoutly thanking Him for the continued prosperity of our
ancient and honored institution; let us, then, ask Him to
guide us in all our deliberations and strengthen us in our
endeavors in well doing, so that we may be enabled by His
wisdom to discharge all the duties which we may be called
upon to perform at this session in a manner that can but
reflect to History, and advance the true interests of this
great brotherhood.
As we meet in this the sixth annual communication, it
gives me great satisfaction to announce that harmony and
therefore prosperity is about to prevail, if we do our duty as
Masons in our jurisdiction While so many of us have been
permitted to meet again around our altar we are painfully
reminded that there are vacant seats which will never be
filled again by their former occupants; this fact teaches us a
lesson that ought never to be forgotten because it comes
directly to our hearts and tells us that we too are subject to
the many ills that flesh is heir to and may, like our absent
ones ere another year passes be called from this to the
perfect Lodge above and the places we now fill be occupied
by others. How appropriate then the word of Him who said,
"Be ye therefore also ready
112
DISPENSATIONS
August 5, 1886, I granted a dispensation to North Star

Lodge, No. 2, Des Moines, to pass the ballot upon one
candidate for the purpose of conferring the three degrees at
one communication.
August 16, 1 granted a dispensation to a constitutional
number of brethren, residing in the city of Minneapolis, to
open and hold a lodge of Masons, and deputized J. K.
Hilyard to do the work. Said brethren having been duly
recommended by Bro. J. K. Hilyard and Edmon James, our
Grand Lecturer and D. D. G. M., they will ask for a warrant at
this session, and I recommend it be granted; the name of the
above Lodge is Anchor, and its officers are Abraham Myrick,
W. M.; Chas F. Davis, S. W.; Geo. W. Bolden, J. W.
April 12, I issued a dispensation to North Star Lodge No.
2, to hold a festival.
June 27, 1886, I granted permission to Garfield Lodge No.
7, to move from Albia to Chariton, the members all living at
or near that point; it saves them $1.65 per month, they are
doing well and are in a good healthy condition.
VISITATIONS
November 10, 1886, I visited Eastern Star Lodge No. 11,

located at Marshalltown. They have a small room poorly
furnished and a small membership; they are doing fairly well.
April 9, 1887, 1 visited Lincoln Lodge No. 9, located at Mt.
Pleasant. It was to attend the funeral of Bro. James Coalson,
of North Star Lodge in Des Moines. The services were
attended by all the members. They have a large hall, but a
small membership, They are doing as well as could be
expected.
April 11, I visited Golden Star Lodge No. 4, located at
Ottumwa, They have a fine lodge room, well furnished and in
good condition, the brethren working in peace and harmony.
June 4, I visited Newton Lodge No, 8, located at Newton,
and installed their officers. This is a bright little lodge. They
are small in number, but they are workers. They have a small
hall in good condition and all working in peace and
harmony.
June 28, 1 visited King Solomon Lodge No. 10, located at
Cleveland. They have a good hall, fairly well furnished; the
brethren at Cleveland are doing nicely.
113
July 7, 1 visited North Star Lodge No. 2, at Des Moines.

This lodge has lost two members this year and the expense
has been heavy, but she has stood the tax bravely and is in a
healthy condition, being out of debt.
Bro. James Higgins, our D. D. G. M., reports the lodge at
Burlington in a flourishing condition.
Bro. J. K. Hilyard reports the lodges in St. Paul and
Minneapolis doing well.
I had a communication from J. W. Moore, M. W. G. M.
Grand Lodge of Illinois, asking me to appoint 3 delegates
from this Grand lodge to the convention to be held at
Chicago, Illinois, August 23, 1887. I have appointed A. A.
Bland, J. K. Hilyard and your Grand Master.
I exchanged representatives with the Most Worshipful
Grand Lodge of Rhode Island and the Most Worshipful Grand
Lodge of Florida, as follows:
R. W. Bro. Geo. H. Worthington represents the M. W. A.
G. L. of Iowa, near the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island, and R.
W. W. T. Ewing represents the. M. W. C. L., of Rhode Island,
near the M. W. A. G. L., of Iowa, and M. W. G. M. Tillman
Vallentine represents the Nil. W. A. G. L., near the M. W. G.
L. of Florida, and R. W. H. H. Lewis represents the M. W. G.
L. of Florida, near the M. W. A. G. L. of Iowa.
Like the past three years there has been another
conference of the representatives of the two Grand Lodges .
On the 16th day of June, 1887, I was called on by M. N. Bell,
Grand Secretary of the Hiram Grand Lodge and requested to
meet Alexander Clark, Grand Master of the Hiram Grand
Lodge, which I accepted. Bros. J. H. Shepard, H. H. Lewis, E.
W. Vaughn, W. T. Ewing, W. M. Coalson and J. E. Gillam, our
Grand Secretary, and I, met on the above date and agreed o
the following proposition. (See proclamation, page ----)
Now, brethren, I have agreed to this proposition,
believing that it is for the best interest of Masonry in Iowa. I
believe we can unite and live as men and brothers. The
advice of our sister Grand Lodges has been to unite and
settle our dispute. It seems to me this is the right time to
do it without any anger or malice, and show the world that
the members of the African Grand Lodge of Iowa are manly
and big-hearted enough to forgive. A majority of all the
lodges have voted for the proposition and returned their
vote to me. Now brethren I hope this proposition will be
received favorably, that we can realize once again that it is
good and pleasant for brethren to dwell together in unity;
and now brethren, thanking God for the prospects of one
114
Grand Lodge in Iowa, I return you my heartfelt thanks for

your fraternal kindness and courtesy, and the many
manifestations of your respect for me and assistance
rendered during my term of office. I herewith surrender to
you the Symbols of authority which you entrusted to me one
year ago .
Remember in your deliberations that we are making
history, be careful, prudent, temperate and discreet, that
future generations may he benefitted by our labors in this
noble and glorious cause of Free and Accepted Masonry.
Fraternally yours,
G. H. CLEGGETT,
Grand Master of African G. L. of Iowa.
On motion the Address was referred to committee on

Grand Master's Address.
G. M. G. H. Cleggett appointed a committee consisting of
three to confer with a like committee from Hiram Grand
Lodge, to appoint a place of meeting of the convention of
the two Grand Bodies.
The following brethren as committee: H. H. Hooker, A. A.
Bland, 0. Fields.
The J. G. Warden called the Grand Lodge from labor to
refreshment.
AFTERNOON
The J. G. Warden called the Grand Lodge on at 2 o'clock;

the committee on Grand Master's Address reported as
follows:
We, your committee, beg leave to report as follows: We

have noted its contents carefully and take pleasure in
commending the approval of his action in trying to unite the
two Grand Bodies. We recommend that the parts referring to
the fraternal dead be referred to the committee on obituaries
and so much as refers to new work be referred to the
committee on dispensations and charters. We also
recommend the approval of the appointment of delegates to
represent this Grand Lodge in the National convention in
Chicago, August 23, 1887. The document as a whole is an
able one and worthy of commendation by the craft.
J. H. SHEPARD,
A. A. BLAND,
J. L. BROOKS,
115
Committee
Adopted.
The committee appointed to fix the place and time of

meeting of the convention reported that the Grand bodies
would meet in the hall of North Star Lodge No. 2, July 12, at
3 o'clock P. M.
Report received and committee discharged, and the M. W.
African Grand Lodge was called off to meet in convention
with Hiram Grand Lodge at the time and place above named.
PROCEEDINGS OF HIRAM GRAND LODGE
In pursuance to a proclamation issued June 16, 1887, by

the two Grand Masters, the M. W. Hiram Grand Lodge
convened in the hall of North Star Lodge, No. 1, East Des
Moines, Iowa, July 12, 1887, at 10 o'clock A. M., Alexander
Clark, M. W. Grand Master, presiding. The Grand Lodge was
opened in ample form in the 3rd degree of Masonry, there
being the representatives of a constitutional number of
Lodges present. The throne of Grace was addressed by Rev.
E. C. Thomas, R. W. Grand Chaplain. Alexander Clark, M. W.
G. M., appointed a Committee on Credentials as follows: A.
A. Pierce, John Sims, Jos. Jimmerson.
The following inspiring hymn was sung by the brothers:
Together Let Us Sweetly Live."
ROLL CALL
The Grand Secretary called the roll of Grand officers and

members of the Grand Lodge and the following answered the
call:
GRAND OFFICERS
Alexander Clark, M. W. Grand Master.

A. J. Harris, as R. W. D. Grand Master.
Joseph Harris, R. W. Grand Senior Warden,
Joseph Lewis, R. W. Grand Junior Warden.
John Simms, R. W. Grand Treasurer.
M. N. Bell, R. W. Grand Secretary.
APPOINTED OFFICERS
116
B. Clary, W. Grand Register.

S. Fox, W. Grand Lecturer.
W. M. Raspberry,
D. W. Anderson,
E. C. Thompson,
as W. Grand Chaplains.
Thomas Benton, W. Grand Marshall.
J. Morris, W. Grand Master of Ceremonies.
Thomas J. Marshall, W. Grand Sword Bearer.
J. Q. A. Williams, W. Grand Standard Bearer.
R. S. Brown, W. Grand Senior Deacon.
H. Kitchen, W. Grand Junior Deacon.
H. Hockedy, as W. Grand Senior Steward.
J. E. Todd, W. Grand Junior Steward.
Chas. Davis, W. Grand Pursivant.
C. S. Gomer, Grand Tyler.
Committee on Credentials reported representatives from

all the Lodges present.
The minutes of the last grand session were read from
manuscript, and on motion approved.
Grand Master Clark stated that the convening of the
Grand Lodge at this date was made necessary by an
agreement made and entered into between himself and Bro.
G. H. Cleggett, Grand Masters of the M. W. Hiram Grand
Lodge and the M. W. African Grand Lodge; whereupon the
Grand Secretary was ordered to read the proclamation,
which was done. (See proclamation, page ??).
The following was offered by M. N. Bell:
Be it resolved, By the M. W. Hiram Grand Lodge, that we as

Grand Lodge approve the action of M. W., A. Clark, in
agreeing to the basis of union of the two Grand Bodies of
this state, June 16, 1887, and issuing proclamation of the
same,
Resolution approved.
The Grand Master appointed the following standing
committees:
Credentials--A. Pierce, John Simms, Jos. Jimmeson.

Accounts--M. N. Bell, A. J. Harris, S. Fox.
Dispensations and Charters--C. S. Gomer, J. Simms, R.
Krys.
Grand Master's Address--S. Fox, J. Lewis, Geo. Taylor.
117
Returns of Subordinate Lodges-A. J. Harris, J. Simms,

Jos. Jimmeson.
Appeals and Grievances-- Lewis, A. A. Pierce, R. G.
Brown.
Obituaries--Connor, E. C. Thomas, Wm. Raspberry.
Constitution and By-Laws--O. B. Clary, E. C. Thomas, D.
Anderson.
Jurisprudence-- Respberry, S. Fox, R. Krys.
A committee consisting of A. Clark, Grand Master; Jos.

Jimmeson, S. Grand Warden; J. Lewis as J. Grand Warden; M.
N. Bell, Grand Secretary; was appointed to meet a like
committee from the African Grand Lodge for the purpose of
agreeing upon a place for holding the union convention.
The junior Grand Warden observed the time and called
the Grand Lodge from labor to refreshment to come on at 2
p.m.
AFTERNOON SESSION
The hour of two having arrived the J. G. Warden called the

Grand Lodge to labor, M. W. A. Clark presiding.
Report of Conference Committee. The joint committee

had agreed to hold the union convention in the hall of North
Star Lodge No. 2 (subordinate to African Grand Lodge.)
Report adopted.
Further report of Committee on Credentials:

We your committee, wish to make an additional report.
We find the following lodges largely represented and the
representatives entitled to seats in this Grand Lodge:
North Star Lodge No. 1, Des Moines, Ia., Samuel Marsh,

W. M.
Simms Lodge No. 2, Oskaloosa, J. S. Martin, W. M.
Mt. Olive No. 3, Cedar Rapids, Wm. Respberry, W. M.
Cedar Grove No. 4, Muchakinock, R. S. Brown, W. M.
Star No. 5, Keokuk, S. C. Harris, W. M.
Clark No. 6, Davenport, A. Clark, P. M., proxy.
Reed No. 7, Red Oak, John Simms, P. M., proxy.
A. A. PIERCE,
JOHN SIMMS,
J. JIMMESON
Committee.
118
The Grand Master then read his annual address,
GRAND MASTER'S ADDRESS
Brethren of the M. W. Hiram Grand Lodge of Iowa, and

her jurisdiction thereunto belonging:--It is to Him who rules
the destinies of men of nations that we are permitted to
gather around the common altar of Freemasonry in our third
annual communication. It is meant that our counsels be for
the best interest of our beloved order and our united efforts
be for continued prosperity. Standing for the third time in
this grand east, the choice of your free suffrage, it is with no
ordinary feelings of gratification that we open our third
communication. Super-added by the satisfaction arising from
an interchange of fraternal sympathies is that which we
derive from the prosperous condition in which we find the
fraternity at the close of our Masonic year, one twelve
months ago this day, from this sacred shrine. We
congratulate you on the material prosperity which has
crowned the expiring year. We are more than thrice pleased
to renew these congratulations today. From the clouded
canopy of heaven the rain has fallen in drops of rich
abundance and blessings have attended these moistening
showers, giving us a rich and bountiful harvest for the
summer prospectively greater than any in the past ten years.
The land is filled with the sweet blessings of peace. The
nation's birthday, our glorious Fourth of July, and its
observance this year, brought with it a halo of glory,
proclaiming us a united people with one common interest,
destiny and flag. Again we are to be thankful that whatever
commotion by unlawful strikes, disturbing the peace and
commercial prosperity of the country and her industries,
Masonry has taken no part, except to disapprove of these
riotous acts. Brethren it is a commendable thing to give
thanks and praise. Gratitude enables all who experience and
realize its influence, and if thanks are due for the general
health and abundant harvest, how much more ought we to
be thankful to the Grand Master of the Universe, our friend
and father, for the moral progress and advancement of our
beloved brotherhood, which gave birth to Masonic art. An
angel of mercy and light to the scattered tribes of apostate
men, this heavenly messenger came forth from the region of
mind and by his attractions gathered the scattered energies
of spirits immortal. He brought them to his own temple and
in this sanctuary we are permitted to commence our work
119
today, meeting upon the level of time, standing by the

plumb of rectitude, we will be fitted to part upon the square
of every virtue, symbolized by the tenets of the order. To
these ends we call your attention to the work for the past
year. Peace and harmony, which is but craft masonry,
pervades all our subordinate lodges, bearing thrift,
evidenced by the improvement of the proficiency in the
ritual work and the improvement in lodge furniture and
fixtures.
We are pleased to announce to you that the one object of
this meeting is to unite the two Grand Lodges in this state
and I do sincerely hope that the two Grand lodges now
existing may be united as one Grand Lodge to be known as
the united Grand Lodge of Iowa.
Fraternally,
ALEXANDER CLARK, Grand Master.
The report was referred to the proper committee who, after

revamping the document carefully, reported as follows:
We, your committee, beg to submit the following: we

have carefully read the same and recommend that it be
printed with proceedings of the Grand Lodge.
S. FOX,
J. LEWIS,
S. C. HARRIS, Committee.
Report adopted.
It being near the hour of two the M. W. Hiram Grand Lodge was
called off to meet M. W. African Grand Lodge in convention.
CONVENTION
DES MOINES, IA., July 12, 1887.
In accordance with the proclamation issued by the two Grand

Masters of the two Grand Lodges (colored) in Iowa, a convention of
all the craft belonging to both of the aforesaid bodies was held in the
city of Des Moines, in the hall of North Star Lodge, No, 2, July 12th,
1887, at 3 P. M. The craft was called to order by Bro. G. H. Cleggett,
who stated the object of the meeting by saying the nature of the
assembling of the craft was too well known to require explanation by
him at this time or place. The meeting being formally opened, on
motion of J. K. Hilyard, G. H. Cleggett was made temporary Chairman,
120
and on motion of A. A. Bland M. N. Bell was chosen temporary

Secretary. A motion prevailed to appoint a Committee On
Credentials. The following names were chosen on said committee: J.
K. Hilyard, A. J. Harris, M. N. Bell, A. A. Bland, Syke Fox, Wm.
Raspberry, C. S. Davis, J. E. Gillam, C. W. Newton, G. H. Cleggett and
A. Clark ex-officio members.
The committee retired and shortly returned with the following
report:
We, your Committee on Credentials, beg to report as

follows: We find the brethren present who are entitled to
seats and votes in this convention whose names appear
below: G. H. Cleggett, Z. Taylor, C. W. Newton, Wm. Coalson,
J. E. Gillam, H. H. Hooker, H. W. Grey, W. H. Jones, R. H.
Taylor, E. W. Vaughn, G. W. Baptist, J. K. Hilyard, B. J. Fuller,
W. W. Washington, J. Crawford, J. F. Lindsey, A. A. Bland, J.
H. Shepard, J. L. Brooks, H. H. Lewis, C. S. Stewart, 0. Fields,
A. Hayes, John Williams, Samuel Wash, J. S. Martin, R. S.
Brown, S. G. Harris, Alexander Clark, J. Sims, R. Krys, Geo.
Taylor, 0. B. Clarie, S. Fox, J. Lewis, C. S. Gomer, M. N. Bell,
E. C. Thomas, A. Ford, Wm. Raspberry, W. D. Crawford; also
twenty lodges entitled to three votes each. Respectfully
submitted,
J. K. HILYARD Chairman.
A. J. Harris, Secretary for
the Committee.
Report adopted.
On motion the Committee on credentials was made the
Committee on Permanent Organization.
In due season the Committee on Permanent Organization reported
the following:
Chairman, Alexander Clark; Vice Chairman, J. K. Hilyard;

Secretary, J. E. Gillam; Assistant Secretary, M. N. Bell.
On motion the report was adopted and so declared.

Alexander Clark was conducted to the chair and introduced to the
convention by G. H. Cleggett. In a few well-chosen remarks he spoke
of the hopes he had in the future prospects of Masonry in the State
of Iowa.
G. H. Cleggett, being called, made a brief but excellent address
approving what had been done and deploring the existence of two
Grand Lodges in the State, and favored one Grand Lodge upon on
honorable basis.
121
By order of Alexander Clark, Chairman of the convention, the

Secretary, J. E. Gillam, read the proclamation (see proclamation).
The following resolution was offered by J. Sims:
Inasmuch as the two Grand Masters have met and

formed the basis of a union and submitted the same to the
subordinate Lodges for their approval, and inasmuch as they
have unanimously adopted the same; therefore be it
Resolved, That this convention adopt the same.
Respectfully,
JOHN SIMS.
The following resolution was offered by A. A. Bland:
WHEREAS, There are two Grand Lodges (colored)

existing in the State of Iowa, known as the M. W. African
Grand Lodge and the M. W. Hiram Grand Lodge; and
WHEREAS, There have been articles of agreement drawn by
the two Grand Masters and presented to the subordinate for
their endorsement, and a majority concurring therein;
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That we, the members of the two aforesaid
Grand Lodges, proceed to unite the two Grand Lodges into
one upon the following conditions, to wit:
First, seeing that the Hiram Grand Lodge and the African
Grand Lodge have both spent time and money in securing
records for their grand bodies; also have been to great
expense for warrants and credentials; and there is no
possible chance to save but one-half, and no reasonable
need of losing it all; therefore, in order to save one-half, be it
further
RESOLVED, That we form a union of the two Grand
Lodges in one by adopting the constitution of one or the
other.
(Signed) A. A. BLAND.
M. N. Bell moved that the resolution be, laid on the table. Motion
lost.
After some lively discussion of the resolution of A. A. Bland on
both sides, for and against, the motion prevailed to adjourn until 10
o'clock A. M., Wednesday, the 13th.
WEDNESDAY MORNING--SECOND DAY
122
The hour having arrived for the convention to meet, Alexander

Clark, Chairman, called the convention to order.
Prayer by D. W. Anderson.
The Committee on Credentials made a further report, as follows:
H. Johnson, D. W. Anderson, J. L. Williams, Mayes, C.

Osborn, J. N. Lee, G. W. Black, C. F. Topson, W. H. Ross, W.
D. Crawford, H. Hockedy, H. Johnson, J. H. McDowell.
Adopted.
A. J. Harris offered the following as a substitute for the resolution
of A. A. Bland, which was pending at adjournment:
WHEREAS, There exists in the State of Iowa two separate

bodies known as the Grand Lodges (colored), F. A. A.
Masons. the same having existed for some time, and by
separation the Masonic and social happiness of the
members of both Grand Lodges has been greatly retarded;
and
WHEREAS, The principles of our time-honored institution
demand no such separation; therefore be it
RESOLVED, Both parties agreeing, that we enter into ways
and means to effect a lasting union of the craft in Iowa upon
the following basis, viz.
That after the 12th day of July, A. D. 1887, there shall be
but ONE GRAND LODGE OF F. A. A. MASONS (colored) in
Iowa, and to these ends it is hereby agreed.
To form one Grand Lodge to be known and called the
United Grand Lodge of Iowa; and
WHEREAS, The subordinate Lodges of both grand bodies
have voted upon the above proposition and approved the
same; therefore be it
RESOLVED, By this convention, that the African Grand
Lodge and the Hiram Grand Lodge unite into one Grand
Lodge, to be known as the United Grand Lodge of Iowa, A. F.
& A. M.; and be it further
RESOLVED, That there be a committee of nine appointed
by this convention to draw up a constitution for said United
Grand Lodge, said committee to consist of five members
from African Grand Lodge and four members from Hiram
Grand Lodge, with the Grand Masters of each Grand Lodge
as members ex-officio of said committee.
(Signed) A. W. HARRIS, of Hiram G. L.
123
It was agreed, on motion of E. W. Vaughn, that no member be

allowed to speak more than five minutes on any one question.
After considerable discussion of the substitute of A. J. Harris the
vote on the same was taken by Lodges and Past Masters, which
resulted, 58 for the substitute and 53 against. The same was adopted
and so declared.
On motion the convention adjourned until afternoon at 3 o'clock.
AFTERNOON SESSION
The convention was called to order by the Chairman, Alexander

Clark, promptly at 3 o'clock. The Chairman stated that the first
business of the session would be the appointment of a committee of
nine, as provided by the substitute.
On motion of M. N. Bell the committee was appointed, as follows,
by the two Grand Masters:
The part representing African G. L., A. A. Bland, 0. Fields, J.

K. Hilyard, Z. Taylor, J. E.. Gillam, G. H. Cleggett ex-officio;
Hiram G. L., A. J. Harris, M. N. Bell, Wm. Raspberry, D.
Anderson, Alex. Clark ex-officio.
The committee retired. Meantime a song of thanksgiving was sung

and a prayer was offered by E. C. Thomas, Rev, C. W. Newton filling
the chair during the absence of the committee.
The Committee on Constitution presented and reported, as a
result of their labor, a constitution (see constitution appended),
which, on motion of J. Sims, was received and approved by a
unanimous vote, and the same was declared by the Chairman, C. W.
Newton.
On motion the convention adjourned until 10 o'clock A. M.,
Thursday, July 14th.
THURSDAY, JULY 14--MORNING SESSION
The Chairman, A. Clark, called the convention to order. Prayer by

Rev. C. W. Newton. The convention joined in singing, "Come, Thou
Fount of Every Blessing," after which Br. J. Ruff, of St. Louis, Mo., was
introduced to the convention by Chairman A. Clark.
The following was offered by A. Harris, which was approved:
RESOLVED, That this convention and the members of the

two grand bodies offer a standing vote of thanks as their
appreciation of the successful manner in which they have
brought about this meeting which has resulted in the union
124
of the two grand bodies, to G. H. Cleggett, G. M.; Alexander

Clark, G. M.; J. E. Gillam, C. S.; M. N. Bell, G. S.
On motion the convention proceeded to the election of officers

for the United Grand Lodge for the ensuing year. The Chairman, A.
Clark, appointed as tellers A. J. Harris, C. H. Davis and A. A. Bland.
C. W. Newton nominated J. K. Hilyard for M. W. Grand Master.
H. H. Hooker nominated G. H. Cleggett for G. M.
R. Krys nominated Alex. Clark for G. M. Bro. Clark, after thanking
the brother for the nomination, positively declined.
The tellers reported the whole number of votes cast 159;
necessary to a choice, 80. G. H. Cleggett, receiving a majority, was
declared elected M. W. G. M., and so proclaimed by the Chair,
whereupon J. K. Hilyard moved to make his election unanimous,
which prevailed.
E. C. Thomas nominated J. Sims for Deputy Grand Master; R. S.
Brown nominated C. W. Newton; H. H. Hooker nominated M. N. Bell.,
M. N. Bell declined and the nominations closed.
J. Sims and C. W. Newton were the candidates. J. Sims, receiving a
majority of the votes, was declared elected and so proclaimed.
On motion of C. W. Newton W. H. Jones was elected S. G. Warden
by acclamation.
E. C. Thomas nominated A. J. Harris for J. G. Warden; G. W. Black
nominated E. C. Thomas; C. W. Newton nominated J. L. Martin. On
the first ballot there was no election. On the second ballot, the name
of J. L. Martin being dropped, E. C. Thomas received a majority of all
the votes cast and was declared duly elected J. G. Warden. D. W.
Anderson was elected G. Treasurer by acclamation.
M. N. Bell and J. E. Gillam were put in nomination for Grand
Secretary. J. E. Gillam, receiving a majority of all votes cast, was
declared duly elected and so proclaimed.
On motion the convention adjourned to meet at 4 P. M.
THURSDAY AFTERNOON SESSION-THIRD DAY
Alexander Clark, Chairman, called the convention to order at 4 P.

M. Prayer by E. C. Thomas, after which Grand Master Alexander Clark,
assisted by Past Grand Master A. A. Bland, proceeded to install the
following grand officers for the ensuing year:
G. H. CLGGETT, M. W. Grand Master.

J. SIMS, R. W. Deputy Grand Master.
W. H. JONES, R. W. S. G. Warden.
E. C. THOMAS, R. W. J. G. Warden.
D. W. ANDERSON, R. W. G. Treasurer.
125
J. E. GILLAM, R. W. G. Secretary.
The convention formed in line and paraded the principal streets of

the city, escorted by King Solomon Commandery, Knights Templar.
After returning to the hall, on motion, the convention adjourned
to meet Friday morning at 10 o'clock.
FRIDAY MORNING, JULY 15
Convention called to order by the Chairman, Alexander Clark, who

stated that the work of the convention was finished. The minutes of
the convention were read and stood approved.
On motion of A. A. Bland the convention was adjourned sine die.
ALEXANDER CLARK, Chairman.

J. E. GILLAM, Secretary.
M. N. BELL, Assistant Secretary.
UNITED GRAND LODGE
Immediately after adjournment G. H. Cleggett, M. W. Grand

Master, assisted by the grand officers, opened the M. W. United
Grand Lodge of Iowa in ample form on the third degree of Masonry.
Prayer by the Grand Chaplain.
Alexander Clark moved that a committee of five be appointed to
prepare By-Laws for the G. L. and report at the next grand session.
Carried.
Committee--A. Bland, Alexander Clark, J. L. Brooks, J. E. Gillam, M.
N. Bell.
A proposition was offered by E. C. Thomas, of Mt. Olive Lodge,
Cedar Rapids, in behalf of said Lodge, asking this M. W. United G. L.
to hold its next annual session in Cedar Rapids. All elective grand
officers, past and present, will be kept free, all others attending, not
to exceed 75 cents per day. On motion of J. E. Gillam the proposition
was accepted.
A motion prevailed allowing the Grand Secretary 25 cents each for
filling out warrants for the subordinate Lodges under the United
Grand Lodge.
A motion that the Grand Lodge pay the expense of changing the
seals of subordinate Lodges was carried.
The following motion, by A. Bland, prevailed:
126
That the United Grand Lodge pay the expense of printing

the proceedings of African G. L. and Hiram G. L.; also the
convention and of this session.
On motion of A. A. Bland all subordinate Lodges were $2.50 each,

said amount to pay the above-mentioned expenses.
On motion of Alexander Clark a committee of five was appointed
to arrange and number the subordinate Lodges. Committee--A. Clark,
J. L. Brooks, A. A. Bland, J. E. Gillam, M. N. Bell, G. H. Cleggett ex-
officio.
The committee agreed, and so reported, that Star Lodge, No. 5,
retain its number, A. G. L. having had no Lodge of that number, and
all other Lodges belonging to Hiram be numbered up from the
highest number on the roll of the African.
Report adopted.
- The following delegates were appointed to the National
Convention in Chicago, August 23, 1887: G. H. Cleggett, A. A. Bland, J.
K. Hilyard, Alexander Clark, M. N. Bell, A. J. Harris.
M. W. G. H. Cleggett, G. M. of the former A. G. L., and Alexander
Clark, G. M. of the former H. G. L., surrendered their gavels to the M.
W. United G. L., A. F. & A. M., for the State of Iowa and its
jurisdiction, and the same was acknowledged by M. W. G. M. G. H.
Cleggett in the name of M. W. United G. L. of Iowa.
The former African G. L. and Hiram G. L. having called on and
finished up their business during adjournment of the convention,
were announced closed sine die, and are numbered with things that
were. With them closed the great strife in Masonry in the State of
Iowa; and where contention and discord held sway, now Peace
spreads her snowy pinions over the whole jurisdiction.
M. W. Past Grand Master Alexander Clark having previously
installed the elective grand officers, proceeded to install the
appointed officers.
LIST OF GRAND OFFICERS FOR ENSUING YEAR
G. H. Cleggett, M. W. Grand Master, Des Moines.

J. Sims, R. W. Deputy Grand Master, Oskaloosa.
W. H. Jones, R. W. S. G. Warden, Keokuk.
E. C. Thomas, R. W. J. G. Warden, Cedar Rapids.
D. W. Anderson, R. W. G. Treasurer, Keokuk.
J. E. Gillam, R. W. G. Secretary, Keokuk.
J. K. Hilyard, W. G. Lecturer, St. Paul.
C. S. Stewart, W. G. Register, Des Moines.
Rev. W. Washington, W. G. Chaplain, Knoxville.
127
C. W. Newton, W. G. Chaplain, Burlington.

L. H. Reynolds, W. C. Chaplain, Minneapolis.
R. B. Taylor, W. 0. S. Deacon, Cleveland.
S. Fox, W. J. G. Deacon, Keokuk.
A. A. Bland, W. G. Marshall, Keokuk.
Geo. Thlor, W. G. M. Ceremonies, Des Moines.
A. A. Pierce, W. G. Sword Bearer, Cedar Rapids.
R. S. Brown, W. G. Standard Bearer, Muchakinock.
N. Dorsett, W. S. G. Steward, Red Oak.
H. H. Hooker, W. J. G. Steward, Des Moines.
I. Crawford, W. G. Pursuivant, Minneapolis.
C. S. Gomer, G. Tyler, Cedar Rapids.
DISTRICT DEPUTIES
First District, including Lodges No. 1, 3, 4, 5 and 9,--C. H.

McCracken.
Second District, including Lodges No. 7, 16, 17 and 18,--Joseph
Jimmeson.
Third District, including Lodges No. 13 and 10,--G. W. Baptist.
Fourth District, including Lodges No. 6, 12 and 14,--A. H. Myrick.
Committee on Foreign Correspondence: Alexander Clark,
Chairman, Muscatine, Iowa, P. 0. Box 365; J. E. Gillam, Keokuk, Iowa,
618-1/2 Main Street; M. N. Bell, Des Moines, Iowa, 513 East Locust
Street.
There being no further business, after prayer by the Grand
Chaplain, C. W. Newton, the M. W. United Grand Lodge was closed to
meet in the city of Cedar Rapids the second Tuesday in July, 1888, at
10 o'clock A. M.
G. H. CLEGGETT, M. W. Grand Master.
(ATTEST) J. E. GILLAM, Grand Secretary,
128
CHAPTER VI.
"The United Grand Lodge."
Abstracts from the proceedings of the Most Worshipful United

Grand Lodge A. F. & A. M. of Iowa and jurisdictions. lt is our purpose
to give as much space as possible to each annual communication and
to record the most important transactions at this Grand Body.

Cedar Rapids, Iowa, July 10, 11, 12, 1888
BRO. GEO. H. CLEGGETT, Des Moines, Grand Master

BRO. J. E. GILLAM, Keokuk, Grand Secretary
In accordance with the provisions of the constitution, the M. W.
United Grand Lodge, A. F. & A, M. for Iowa and it jurisdiction met in
its First Annual Communication, at 10 o'clock, A. M. in the Hall of
Mt. Olive Lodge No. 17, and was opened in ample form by Grand
Master, Geo. H. Cleggett. The roll call showed all officers present and
in their respective stations. The committee on credentials reported
16 of the 20 lodges properly represented. In his annual address Grand
Master Cleggett congratulated the craft on the feeling of harmony and
contentment that had existed during the year and said, *'the past
year has been a quiet one. Since the Union there has been nothing to
cause any disturbance. It seems as if the brethren had lost all the old
vim and laid away their weapons of war, washed off the war paint
and settled down to peace and quietude." In regard to the standing of
members who had belonged to African and Hiram Grand Lodges, and
who had left one side or the other, and both sides claiming them, I
have replied to all, "that we cannot go behind the returns; that we
must take them as we find them; that African and Hiram are of the
past and all the differences were settled in the convention." He
authorized Bro. A. H. Myrick to lay the corner stone of St. Peter's A.
M. E. Church at Minneapolis, April 23, 1888. The address covers but
five pages of the proceedings.
The Grand Secretary reported receipts of $204.75, and
disbursements of $162.45, leaving a balance of $42.30.
Three lodges were reported defunct and surrendered their
warrants: Clark Lodge No. 19 at Davenport; Garfield Lodge No. 7, at
Chariton and Eastern Star Lodge No. 11, at Marshalltown.
J. K. Hilyard, of St. Paul, Minn. was elected Grand Master, and J. E.
Gillam of Keokuk, re-elected Grand Secretary. Des Moines was
selected as the place for holding the next annual communication.
129
The printed proceedings contains a cut of Grand Master-elect J. K.

Hilyard, the Constitution and By-Laws of the Grand Lodge, and
covers 57 pages of large and fine print.
SECOND ANNUAL COMMUNICATION
Des Moines, Iowa, July 9, 10, 11, 1889
BRO. J. K. HILLYARD, St. Paul, Minn., Grand Master
BRO. J. E. GILLAM, Keokuk, Grand Secretary
The second annual communication of the M. W. United Grand

Lodge of Iowa was held in the Hall of North Star Lodge No. 15, and
was opened in ample form by the Grand Master.
It was customary in the early days for the Grand Master to first
open a lodge of Master Masons, and after ascertaining if a
constitutional number of lodges were duly represented, to then
declare the Grand Lodge open and ready for business. In making
these abstracts, however, we shall use 'he above statement.
Grand Master Hilyard's annual address was very short covering
but three pages, but is interesting for the sentiment expressed and
recommendations made. Under the head of Recommendations, he
said, "I would recommend that this Grand Lodge establish a library
and a school of instruction; also that our United Grand Lodge, be
incorporated as soon as possible. I would further recommend the
establishment of a Masonic Relief Society and of a more extended
system of Grand Lodge Representation, and that the Grand Secretary
spread them on the record of our proceedings. We have added a
number of exchanges to our list this year. There are very few Grand
Lodges that we do not exchange with and I hope the next Grand
Master will get the balance. There is one thing that I will call your
attention to and that is uniformity of work in our jurisdiction. This is
a matter of great importance and I hope some action will be taken on
it at this session.
He reported the death of Past Grand Master Lewis Hayden of
Boston, Mass., who was one of the most eminent colored Masons of
his day.
The only recommendation acted upon was the appointment of a
Committee on Uniformity of Work consisting of Brothers E. W.
Vaughn, M. N. Bell and J. D. Reeler.
Grand Master Hilyard was the only non-resident of Iowa to ever be
elected Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge. He was a member
of Pioneer Lodge No. 12, of St. Paul, Minn. at that time under the
jurisdiction of the United Grand Lodge of Iowa.
The Committee on Credentials reported 16 lodges represented.
130
The suspension of Bro. J. S. Martin by Sims Lodge No. 16, for

disobeying a summons was referred back to the lodge for a new trial.
An amendment to the Constitution was adopted changing the
time of holding the annual session from the second Tuesday in July
to the third Tuesday in August.
On motion of Bro. Alex. Clark, Bro. S. Fox was unanimously
elected to be "Superintendent of Courts" (Heroines of Jericho) and to
use his influence to bring about a union of the Courts. Such acting
would meet with strong opposition in the Grand Lodge of today.
The Grand Secretary who had handled all the funds reported
collections of $190.60 and disbursements of $159.65. Balance on hand
$32.05. His expense account of $15.00 was criticized and reduced to
$12.00.
Bro. J. E. Gillam of Keokuk, was elected Grand Master, and Bro.
Geo. H. Cleggett of Des Moines, Grand Secretary. Oskaloosa, was
selected for the next place of meeting,
The proceedings contains 43 pages of which 10 are devoted to the
report of the C. C. F. C.
THIRD ANNUAL COMMUNICATION

Oskaloosa, Iowa, August 19, 20, 21, 1890
BRO. J. E. GILLAM, Grand Master

BRO. G. H. CLEGGETT, Grand Secretary
According to the provisions of the Constitution, the M. W. United

Grand Lodge, A. F. & A. M. for Iowa and jurisdiction convened in the
Hall of Sims Lodge No. 16, in the city of Oskaloosa, August 19, 1890,
at 10 o'clock, A. M. A constitutional number of lodges being
represented, Grand Master J. E. Gillam, opened the Grand Lodge in
ample form and appointed the usual committees.
At the afternoon session the Grand Master delivered his address.
It covers only 5 pages, but, shows he had been actively engaged it the
administration of his duties. He issued a dispensation for the
formation of one new lodge at Roslyn, state of Washington, and
deputized P. D. G. M. Bro. J. E. Shepperson, a former member of King
Solomon Lodge No. 10, at Cleveland, Iowa, to do the work. It was
granted a warrant under the name of Cascade Lodge No. 19, but
through some misunderstanding it did not receive the warrant, and
was re-warranted as No. 23, in 1897. Through the Grand Master's
efforts the two lodges at Keokuk, York No. 1 and Star No. 5, were
consolidated under the name and number of Union Lodge No. 1.
Sims Lodge No. 16 was granted permission to change its name to
Maple Grove Lodge No. 16.
131
The Grand Master appointed a Committee on Masonic Relief

consisting of Brothers J. H. Shepard, A. A. Bland, J. D. Reeler, E. C.
Thomas and J. H. Breeden, The committee after due consideration
made the following report:
First--That an organization be formed to be known as the Masonic
Mutual Benefit Society for the State of Iowa and its jurisdiction.
Second--That the officers consist of President, Vice President and
Secretary to be elected annually by the members of the association.
Third--That a committee to consist of Bros. A. J. Harris, A. A.
Bland and J. E. Gillam be appointed to frame a constitution and By-
Laws to be presented to the above association at our next Grand
Lodge Session.
Fourth--this committee be continued.
Fifth--That the committee be zealous and be prepared to make a
full report at the next meeting.
Sixth--That the proceedings of this committee be printed in this
years minutes.
Bro. G. H. Cleggett offered the following resolution which was
unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED. That we the members of the United Grand

Lodge, for the State of Iowa, feeling highly honored by the
appointment of our honored Brother and Past Grand Master,
Alexander Clark, of Muscatine, as Minister Resident and
Counsel General to Liberia, Africa, hereby tender our best
wishes, hoping that he may have a pleasant and safe journey.
We pray that his health may be preserved and he may be
permitted to serve out his full term and return to us in
safety. But it was not to be. His death occurred May 24, 1891.
Grand Secretary's report: Receipts $224.45; Disbursements Balance

on hand $90.74.
Brother J. E. Gillam re-elected Grand Master.
Brother A. A. Bland elected Grand Secretary.
Keokuk was chosen as the next place of meeting.
Proceeding 57 pages.
FOURTH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION

KEOKUK, IOWA, AUGUST 18, 19, 20, 1891
BRO. J. E. GILLAM, M. W. Grand Master

BRO. A. A. BLAND, R. W. Grand Secretary
132
At 10 A. M. Tuesday August 18, 1891, the M. W. United Grand

Lodge of Iowa and jurisdiction was opened in ample form in the Hall
of Union Lodge No. 1, at Keokuk, Iowa by M. W. Grand Master J. E.
Gillam.
Following the' usual routine business the Grand Master read his
annual address.
He announced the death of Past Grand Master J. K. Hilyard Sr.,
which occurred at Philadelphia, Pa., April 21, 1891, and the death of
Past Grand Master Alexander Clark, at Monrovia, Liberia, May 29,
1891. A new lodge was organized at Davenport, Hiram U. D. Reported
King Solomon Lodge No. 10, at Cleveland defunct. Had received word
from the District Deputy, J. L. Neal, of Minnesota, that the three
lodges in Minnesota were considering the surrendering of their
warrants, to join in the organization of a Grand Lodge for the State of
Minnesota. Their action received the approval of the Grand Lodge.
The committee appointed at the last session to draft a
Constitution and By-Laws to govern the Masonic Benefit Association,
reported its work and same was adopted. The principal features of
the Association are contained in Article V, Section I and 2, which
reads as follows:
Section 1. All Master Masons in good standing, who are

members in any Lodge within this jurisdiction, shall be
assessed twenty-five cents as a membership fee. At death of
a member of the Association each member shall pay the sum
of fifty cents; any member failing to pay his dues to the
Association for more than sixty days forfeits all claims from
the Association. This section is not to be construed to apply
to such members as were sick at the time the assessment
was levied.
Section 2. Sixty days after the death of a member, the
Board of Directors will pay to the heirs of the deceased the
sum of forty cents per capita on the entire membership of
the Association, ten cents per capita to be retained in the
contingent fund, from which the expenses of this
Association shall be paid.
Upon motion, the Constitution and By-Laws were adopted, and,

according to its provisions, the Grand Lodge proceeded to elect
Directors as follows: A. J. Harris, S. Fox, J. H. Shepard, Jno. D. Reeler,
W. H. Scott, E. C. Thomas, A. A. Bland. Bros. Bland, Thomas, Harris
and Fox, two years each; Bros. Shepard, Reeler and Scott, one year
each.
133
The Directors elected the following officers: A. A. Bland,

President, Keokuk, Iowa; E. C. Thomas, Vice-President Cedar Rapids,
Iowa; A. J. Harris, Secretary, Keokuk, Iowa; J. H. Shepard, Treasurer,
Des Moines, Iowa.
Public Memorial Services were held in the A. M. E. Church in
honor of J. K. Hilyard and Alexander Clark. The superintendent of
Courts reported the union of the two bodies under the name of the
Grand Court of Iowa, H. and J.
Grand Secretary reports: Receipts $264.00; Disbursements $141.65;
Balance $122.65. The Grand Treasurer's report tallies. This is the first
year the Grand Treasurer had been in possession of the funds.
Des Moines, the guest of North Star Lodge No. 2, was selected as
the next place of meeting. Bro. J. E. Gillam re-elected Grand Master,
Bro. J. D. Reeler, Des Moines, Grand Secretary. 54 pages of
proceedings.
FIFTH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION

Des Moines, Iowa, August 16, 17, 18, 1892
BRO. J. E. GILLAM, Grand Master.

BRO. J. D. REELER, Grand Secretary
In accordance with the provisions of the constitution, the M. W.

United Grand Lodge of Iowa assembled in the Hall of North Star
Lodge No. 2, in Des Moines, and was opened in ample form by Grand
Master J. E. Gillam. All the Grand Officers and most of the permanent
members were present. Thirteen lodges were represented.
After appointing the committees, the Grand Master read his
annual address. He reported the craft in fairly good condition. One
new lodge organized at Clinton, Madison, U. D. Reported the death of
P. D. G. M. Bro. Wm. A. Dove of Union Lodge No. 1, at Keokuk, on
April 11, 1892. Reported the surrender of its warrant by North Star
Lodge No. 15, at Des Moines.
He attended the funeral of Past Grand Master Alexander Clark, at
Muscatine on Feb. 16, 1892, and in reporting the occasion he made
the following statements: "In the early part of February last I received
a letter from Rev. R. Holley informing me that the remains of Brother
Clark had arrived in the states; also telling me to hold myself in
readiness and he would dispatch when the body arrived in
Muscatine. On the 13th I received a telegram informing me that I
would be expected in Muscatine the 16th. I was accompanied by Past
Grand Master A. A. Bland, A. J. Harris, and others. On arriving at
Muscatine I was met by members of Mt. Olive Lodge No, 17 of which
deceased was a member. With the assistance of Deputy Grand Master
134
Bank, and others of our jurisdiction, also my much esteemed Brother

Jones, Grand Treasurer, and representative of the Grand Lodge of
Missouri, who brought with him a beautiful floral tribute offered by
the Grand Lodge of Missouri as a token of respect to the
distinguished dead. I assembled the craft in a hall prepared for the
occasion, opened the Grand Lodge in form and marched to the
church, and after the ceremony of the church we escorted the
remains of our Past Grand Master to the grave, where he was buried
with Masonic honors. With sad hearts we committed his body to its
narrow home, there to quietly slumber until the last day. "Peace to
his ashes."
Presented an invitation from Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Illinois
extending to Iowa Masons the use and courtesies of special
headquarters to be maintained in Chicago by the Illinois Grand Lodge
during the World's Fair in 1893. It also contained a suggestion for
holding a general Masonic Council in Chicago at some time during
the World's Fair. This suggestion was approved and the following
delegates appointed to represent Iowa at the meeting: M. W. A. A.
Bland, R. W. A, A. Pierce. M. W. Geo. H. Cleggett and M. W. J. D.
Reeler.
Amendments to the constitution were adopted to change the time
of holding the annual communication from the third Tuesday in
August back to the second Tuesday in July: to provide for a Board of
Trustees, and to bond the Grand Treasurer.
Davenport was selected as the next place of meeting,
SIXTH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION

Davenport, Iowa, July 11, 12, 13, 1893
BRO. J. D. REELER, Grand Master

BRO. CEO. H. CLEGGETT, Acting Grand Sec
According to the provisions of the constitution, the M. W. Grand

Lodge for Iowa and jurisdiction convened in the Hall of Hiram Lodge
No. 19 in the city of Davenport it 10 A. M. Tuesday, July 11, and was
opened in ample form by the, Grand Master.
All the elective officers were present except Grand Secretary, Miles
N. Bell who was sick and unable to attend. Bro. Geo. H. Cleggett was
appointed to act as Grand Secretary during the session. The
appointment of committees, the report of the Committee on
Credentials and Committee on Rules occupied the morning session.
Bro. J. J. Busey, of Moline, D. D. G. M. of Illinois was admitted and
received with honors,
At the afternoon session, Grand Master Reeler read his annual
address. It is short, but contains several matters of importance to
135
the craft. Had written over 500 letters. One new lodge, Eureka U. D.
at Marshalltown. Recommended that a fund be created for the burial
of Past Grand Masters; that a digest or code of laws be prepared to
govern the Grand and Subordinate Lodges; that the newly organized
Masonic Benefit Association be dissolved and whatever money
remains, he placed in a sinking fund for the funeral expenses of
deceased Grand Masters. In regard to the condition of the
association, he said "In 1891 the organization of the M. W. B. A. was
perfected. Fortunately but few deaths have occurred since its
organization, but I regret to say no death benefits have been paid to
their heirs. In view of this condition of affairs, and the withdrawal of
the compulsory clause in the constitution, and further that a
majority of the directors have withdrawn, I recommended that the M.
M. B. A. be dissolved."
It was done and the balance of $7.25, left in the Treasury turned
into a sinking fund. Ten per cent of the gross receipts of the Grand
Lodge were to be turned into this sinking fund. Yet the constitution
as printed in this years proceeding provided: Every lodge shall pay
for each member in good standing 5 cents and 25 cents of the annual
tax shall go to the Widows and Orphans Benefit Fund." There is
however, no record that either of these provisions was ever enforced
or any benefits paid.
It is ordered that 25 cents be collected from each member to
reimburse the widow of Past Grand Master J. K. Hilyard for his
funeral expenses.
The Committee on Dispensations and Charters made this report:
That the Eureka Lodge, U. D. located at Marshalltown be

granted a warrant at cost, and Madison Lodge of Clinton, be
allowed to change its name to Clinton Lodge No. 20, and
Eureka take No. 21. We have been informed by Bro. Geo. L.
Suter, who was Worshipful Master of Eureka at the time,
that under his protest the numbers of these two lodges were
reversed, but the Grand Secretary failed to record the
change, and while the warrants still carry the original
numbers they have been listed in the roster of lodges as
Eureka No. 20 and Clinton No. 21, since 1894.
A. H. Myrick, W. M. of Anchor Lodge No. 14, at Minneapolis, was

expelled from Masonry for misappropriating funds of the Lodge.
The following resolution, by Bro. E. T. Banks, was approved:
Resolved: That any member of a subordinate lodge under

this jurisdiction, who is suspended for non-payment of dues
and refuses or fails to pay the arrears to his lodge for one
136
year shall be deemed guilty of unmasonic conduct and upon

conviction thereof shall be expelled from such lodge.
There is no record in the printed proceedings of the Grand Lodge

that this resolution was ever enforced, nor does it appear in any of
the printed constitutions and By-Laws of the Grand Lodge.
A resolution to prohibit electioneering for office was laid on the
table.
The Committee on jurisprudence reported that it was unable to
complete its work and asked to be continued during the recess of the
Grand Lodge and report at the next session. It was so ordered.
The deficiencies found in the accounts of Past Grand Treasurer D.
W. Anderson and Present Grand Treasurer, J. E. Gillam were
satisfactorily adjusted and the amounts due the Grand Lodge
promptly paid.
The Finance Committee reported a balance on hand after all
claims allowed of $126.36.
Bro. J. D. Reeler, re-elected Grand Master.
Bro. G. H. Cleggett, elected Grand Secretary.
Burlington was selected as the next place of meeting.
SEVENTH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION

Burlington, Iowa, July 10, 11, 12,1894


Grand Lodge of Iowa and jurisdiction convened in the Hall of Sumner
Lodge No. 3, in the city of Burlington, at 10 A. M. Tuesday, July 10,
1894.
After the usual formalities and there being a constitutional
number of lodges represented the Grand Lodge was opened in ample
form by the Grand Master J. D. Reeler.
At the afternoon session the Grand Master read his annual
address. Hard times and unemployment had seriously affected the
craft, yet he was not discouraged. He authorized Deputy Grand
Master James Woodfork to organize a lodge at West Superior, Wis., to
be known as James Woodfork Lodge U. D. Bro. M. N. White was
appointed Worshipful Master of the new lodge, but due to his
unmasonic conduct and disregard of Masonic law, the Grand Master
authorized the Deputy to remove him from office. After his removal
the lodge suspended him. The Grand Lodge sustained the Master in
his authority lo remove an officer of a U. D. Lodge, but declared the
suspension by the lodge to be unconstitutional and void.
137
Deputy Grand Master Woodfork made an extended report detailing

the actions of Bro. White, which led to his removal as Worshipful
Master.
The Grand Master recommended the appointment each year of a
committee on printing whose duty it was to receive all matter to be
printed from the Grand Secretary and supervise the printing of the
same.
Another recommendation, which was approved by the Grand
Lodge, was for the appointment of a statistician. It was never carried
out, although in making the recommendation, the Grand Master said,
"I believe that the Grand Lodge should have a place to put its records
from time to time, and all the matters of a Masonic nature that will
tend to make history. At present we have no records or other
documents that are the property of the Grand Lodge. I, therefore,
recommend the appointment of a statistician whose duty shall be to
collect as correctly as possible the history of this Grand Lodge with
data as to the deaths in the jurisdiction, and all documents in
general, that shall in any way help to make history."
All lodges named after living men were ordered to change their
names.
The Iowa State Bystander was made the official organ of the Grand
Lodge in place of the Des Moines Avalanche.
A resolution to add one more day (either Monday or Friday) to
the Grand Lodge session for holding a school of was defeated.
A committee was appointed to report at the next session a
workable plan of a Widows and Orphans Relief and Benefit Fund.
Instructors in each of the three degrees were appointed to hold a
school of instruction at the next session.
A committee was appointed to ascertain the cost of Grand Lodge
paraphernalia.
The warrant of King Solomon Lodge No. 10, was called in.
The Grand Lodge enjoyed a visit from a distinguished white
Mason in the person of Rev. Bro. Henry Hartly, Past Grand
Representative of the Grand Lodge of Mexico to the Grand Lodge of
Georgia, and member of the Grand Lodge of England, Scotland and
Nova Scotia, who delivered an interesting and instructive address,
which he closed with these encouraging words: "But most worthy Sir
and Brother, to the minds even of the obtuse it is axiomatic, that the
position of what is termed Colored Masonry is tenable, dignified, and
honorable; is justified and historic. In conclusion, permit me,
standing in your midst, not only as the Widow's Son, but, as a Priest
of the Holy Catholic Church, to invoke the choice blessings of the
Almighty Parent of Good on your August and Most Worshipful Body.
Memorial services were held at the A. M. E. Church on Tuesday
evening in memory of Past Deputy Grand Master Alfard J. Harris and
138
five other of their brethren. Finance Committee reported a balance of

$91.00 in the General Fund and $25.28 in the Sinking Fund,
Bro. J. D. Reeler re-elected Grand Master.
Bro. G. H. Cleggett re-elected Grand Secretary,
Keokuk was selected as the next place of meeting.
Note--It was at this session that the complier of this history had,
for the first time, the pleasure of sitting in this Grand Lodge. I was
there as the Senior Warden of Maple Grove Lodge No. 16, of
Oskaloosa, I received, as I then thought and still so regard, very
flattering recognition for a novice, having served as Grand Register
and on three committees, Credentials, Appeals Grievances and
Accounts. My name, however, does not appear as a representative of
Maple Grove Lodge in the printed report of the Committee on
Credentials. Of the entire membership present it that session, but
four besides myself are still living. The then Grand Master Bro. J. D.
Reeler, who for the past 14 years has been Grand Treasurer and only
retired in 1930, on account of ill health, Bro. T. L. Brown, Past Grand
Master; Bro. W. D. Crawford, Past Grand Treasurer, and Bro. Geo. L.
Suter, Past Grand Secretary.
EIGHTH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION

Keokuk, July 9, 10, 11, 1895

BRO. C. H. CLEGGETT, Grand Secretary

Grand Lodge of Iowa convened in the Hall of Union Lodge No. 1, in
the City of Keokuk, Iowa, Tuesday July 9, 1895, at 10 o'clock A. M. A
constitutional number of lodges being represented, the Grand Master
opened the Grand Lodge in Ample Form; appointed his Committees
and at the afternoon session read his Annual Address. He reported
some of the lodges as "active and progressive," while others were
"lagging in the work because of weakness and adverse
circumstances." He refused to recommend the recognition of the
Grand Lodge of Minnesota, which had been organized on August 16,
1894, because of certain irregularities on the part of the members of
Pioneer Lodge No. 12, in St. Paul.
Had received official notice that the Grand Lodge of Ohio had
refused recognition to the newly organized Grand Lodge of Kentucky.
He had been unable "for good reasons" to select a Statistician, but
hoped his successor would do so. He suggested that the Master of
each lodge select some one in the lodge to prepare a history of their
lodge and send a copy to the Statistician.
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A warrant was issued to Enterprise Lodge No. 22 at West

Superior, Wis. A few minor amendments to the laws were adopted.
An invitation to attend a picnic at Rand Park, Tuesday afternoon was
accepted, and one from Margaret Ann Court to attend a Silver
Reception, Wednesday evening.
The appeal of P. G. S. Bro. M. N. Bell from suspension by North
Star Lodge, was referred back to the lodge for a new trial.
The Committee on Accounts reported a deficit of $8.31 after bills
were allowed.
Bro. A. A. Bland, elected Grand Master.
Bro. G. H. Cleggett re-elected Grand Secretary.
Muchakinock was selected as the next place of meeting.
NINTH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION

Muchakinock, Iowa, July 14, 15, 16, 1896
BRO. A. A. BLAND, Grand Master
The town of Muchakinock, a name derived from the expression,

"How Much I Can Knock," cannot now be found on the present maps
of Iowa. At the time it entertained the Grand Lodge it was a well
built flourishing coal mining town situated five miles south 'of
Oskaloosa in Mahaska County. It was not incorporated, but was
owned by the Consolidation Coal Company Illinois, a subsidiary of
the Chicago & Northwestern, Railway, housed a population of about
400 families and gave employment to nearly 1,000 miners, a majority
of whom were Negroes. It had comfortable school buildings where
colored teachers were employed; substantially built churches always
ably pastored and several secret and social organizations. At the time
it entertained the Grand Lodge, Cedar Lodge was the second in
membership in the jurisdiction.
Pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution the W. United
Grand Lodge of Iowa convened in its Ninth Communication in the
Hall of Cedar Grove Lodge No. 18, at Muchakinock on Tuesday, July
14, 1896, at 10 o'clock A. M. A roll call of lodges showed a
constitutional number represented and Grand Master Bland opened
the G-rand Lodge in Ample Form.
At the afternoon session, the Grand Master read his Annual
Address. It is evident that the address as printed in the Proceedings
is some what deleted, as the Committee on Grand Master's Address
in its report recommended that certain, portions of the address be
stricken out."
The Grand Master had failed in an effort to raise enough money to
print the 1895 proceedings. He had asked for a voluntary contribution
140
from each lodge, but only a few responded. This was the first time
Iowa had failed to print her proceeding. Provision was made,
however, at this session to print the proceedings of 1895 and 1896
and bind them in one volume. This was done.
Most of the time of Wednesday's session was taken up in a
discussion of the report of Committee on Credentials on which the
Committee itself was divided. The principal argument was over a
motion that A. G. Clark be given a vote in this Grand Lodge as a
representative Of Maple Grove Lodge No. 16, at Oskaloosa. "Motion
lost." The motion was made after the committee, reported
unfavorable to Bro. Clark. Bro. Clark was a past Senior Warden of
Maple Grove Lodge No. 16. He had offered as his credentials the
proxy of Bro. John Williams, the then Senior Warden of that Lodge.
His right to be seated as a representative of his lodge was based on
Article V, Section I of the Constitution, which had been the law ever
since the organization, was the law then and until changed in the
Code of 1922. It reads as follows:
Section I. The Master and Wardens, when unable to
attend the Communication of the Grand Lodge, shall
nominate and send their representatives who must be a
member of some lodge in this jurisdiction and who must
have served in the same or higher office, with their jewels to
represent them in the Grand Lodge--the Master sending a
Past Master and the Wardens, Past Warden or Past Masters,
as their representatives.
There was no question as to the regularity of Bro. Clark's

credentials.
The Grand Secretary and C. C. F. C. were instructed to recognize
the Grand Lodge of Minnesota.
The election of officers in Maple Grove Lodge over which a
complaint had been filed was referred back to the lodge for a new
election.
An enjoyable feature of the session was the public address
delivered from the bandstand by Past Master, Dr. R. S. Brown, of
Oskaloosa.
Bro. A. A. Bland re-elected Grand Master.
Bro. W. H. London elected Grand Secretary.
Marshalltown was selected as the next place of meeting.
TENTH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION

Marshalltown, July 13, 14, 15, 1897
BRO. A. A. BLAND, Grand Mister

BRO. W. H. LONDON, Grand Secretary
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Obedient to the provision of the Constitution the M. W. United

Grand Lodge of Iowa convened in the Hall of Eureka Lodge No. 20 at
10 o'clock A. M. Tuesday, July 13, 1897.
A constitutional number of lodges being represented, Grand
Master A. A. Bland opened the Grand Lodge in Ample Form and
appointed his Committees.
At the afternoon session a hearty welcome was extended to the
members of the Grand Lodge on behalf of Eureka Lodge, By Bro.
Herbert Wright which was happily responded to by P. G. M. Bro. J. D.
Reeler. The Grand Master then read his Annual Address. It was short
and contained but little for the body to work on. He asked that
Cascade Lodge U. D. at Roslyn, Wash., be granted a warrant which
was done and numbered 23. The Grand Lodge seemed to have plenty
of time on its hands as a recess of 10 or 15 minutes was taken at
every session.
After debating for two days a resolution by Bro. L. A. Wiles to set
aside an amount sufficient to pay for printing the proceeding, and
pro-rate the balance among the traveling expenses of Grand Officers;
the resolution was indefinitely postponed.
Past Grand Master Reeler presented a comprehensive plan for an
Incorporated Benefit Association, which after a general discussion
was endorsed by the Grand Lodge. A board of 18 directors was
elected, who elected the following officers: Bro. James Washington,
President; Bro. John D. Reeler, Vice President; Bro. J. H. Shepard,
Treasurer and Bro. A. A. Bland, Secretary. It provided for a
membership fee of $2.00 for the first year and $1.00 thereafter. Annual
dues of $1.00 payable in quarterly installments of 25 cents a quarter.
Bros. Banks, Cleggett and Shepard were appointed to have the
Association incorporated. It was to meet during the session of the
Grand Lodge and its transactions printed in the Proceedings.
Bro. James Washington was elected Grand Master.
Bro. A. A. Bland was elected Grand Secretary.
Des Moines was selected as the next place of meeting.
ELEVENTH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION

Des Moines, July 12, 13, 14, 1898
BRO. JAMES WASHINGTON, Grand Master

BRO. A. A. BLAND, Grand Secretary
In compliance with the provisions of the Constitution, the M. W.

United Grand Lodge of Iowa convened in its Eleventh Annual
Communication in the Hall of North Star Lodge in Des Moines, at 10
A. M. Tuesday, July 12, 1898.
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Master James Washington, opened the Grand Lodge in Ample Form,
and appointed his Committees. The Grand Master's Address is not
printed in the Proceedings for which omission the Grand Secretary
makes the following statement:
"The M. W. Grand Master James Washington read his annual
address which contained many good recommendations touching all
local affairs and quoting quite lengthy on historical affairs. But on
account of its great length and the financial standing of the
Treasurer, Brand Master Brown ordered the list of lodges, the Grand
Master's Address and all that could be dispensed with of the 1898
proceeding cut out."
We believe this to have been a mistake. It is the only time the
Grand Master's Annual Address has not been printed in the Annual
Proceeding of the Grand Lodge. The proceedings for 1898 were not
printed till next year and are bound with 1899. One learns from the
report of the Committee that analyzed the address that his
recommendation for the use of traveling cards was approved. This
was the first time the Grand Lodge had approved the use of a
traveling card.
Bro. I. L. Brown was elected Grand Master.
Bro. A, A. Bland re-elected Grand Secretary.
Davenport was selected for the next place of meeting.
TWELFTH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION

Davenport, July 11, 12, 13, 1899
BRO. I. L. BROWN, Grand Master

In accordance with the Constitution, M. W. United Grand Lodge

of Iowa met in the Hall of Hiram Lodge No. 19, at Davenport, on
Tuesday, July 11, at 10 o'clock A. M. There being a constitutional
number of lodges represented, the Grand Lodge was opened in
Ample Form by the Grand Master and Committees appointed.
The Grand Master then read his Annual Address. It was an
interesting inspiring document and contained much of interest to the
Craft. It showed he had been tireless in his efforts to build up and
strengthen the Craft in the jurisdiction. A new lodge had been
organized at Chariton and one at Omaha, Neb., both of which were
granted warrants. The lodge at Newton was revived under its old
warrant and Golden Star Lodge No. 4, at Ottumwa resuscitated by the
addition of 14 new members.
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Bro. 0. B. Clary of Mt. Olive Lodge No. 17, and Bro. Beng Hopkins
of Hiram Lodge No. 19, who had been expelled by their respective
lodges were restored to Masonry.
At the Wednesday morning session M. W. Bro. Henry E. Barrett,
Grand Master of Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Illinois, was admitted,
received with honors and conducted to the East when he addressed
the Grand Lodge. He presided over the Grand Lodge during the
installation of officers.
The Grand Lodge enjoyed a streetcar ride over the cities of
Davenport, Rock Island and Moline.
There is no mention in either the 1898 or 1899 proceeding of the
Masonic Benefit Association organized at Marshalltown in 1897.
Bros. I. L. Brown re-elected Grand Master.
Bro. A. A. Bland re-elected Grand Secretary.
Ottumwa was selected as the next of meeting.
THIRTEENTH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION

Ottumwa, Iowa, July 10, 11, 12, 1900
This being the day fixed by the Constitution for the Annual
Communication, the officers and members of the M. W. United Grand
Lodge of Iowa assembled in Masonic Hall, at Ottumwa at 10 o'clock
A. M., Tuesday, July 10, 1900. A constitutional number of lodges
being represented, Grand Master I. L. Brown opened the Grand Lodge
in Ample Form, appointed his Committees and then read his Annual
Address.
The address shows the Grand Mister had not wearied or lagged in
his efforts to build up and strengthen the Craft throughout the
jurisdiction and was able to say without fear of contradiction "As
Masons we ought to rejoice at the tokens of continued usefulness
and solid prosperity distinguishing the subordinate lodges in our
jurisdiction during the Masonic year now about to close. No previous
year, perhaps since the organization of the Grand Lodge, has
exhibited a healthier Masonic tone, a more cheerful conformity to
Masonic law and usage, or more solid proofs of enlightened zeal and
fidelity to our time honored institution."
All attempts to change the time for holding the Grand Lodge were
defeated.
Golden Star Lodge No. 4, of Ottumwa was ordered to pay to Maple
Grove Lodge No. 16, of Oskaloosa the initiation fee received from
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Geo. E. Taylor, who was a resident of Oskaloosa at the time he was

accepted and initiated in Golden Star Lodge.
A new lodge at Albia was granted a warrant as Albia Star No. 26.
The old question of a Masonic Relief Fund came up again and
precipitated a heated discussion which resulted in the appointment
of a committee to formulate a Relief Plan and report at the next
session.
Although Grand Master Brown had expressed the wish in his
Annual Address, "That you elect someone else to fill my position," he
was re-elected Grand Master and Bro. A. A. Bland re-elected Grand
Secretary.
Albia was chosen as the next place of meeting.
This Proceeding contains the revised Constitution and By-Laws.
FOURTEENTH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION

Albia, Iowa, July 9, 10,11, 1901

This being the day fixed by the Constitution for the Annual
Communication the officers and members of the United Grand Lodge
of Iowa assembled in Masonic Hall in Albia at 10 A. M. Tuesday, July
9, 1901.
There being a constitutional number of lodges represented, Grand
Master I. L. Brown opened the Grand Lodge in Ample Form,
appointed his Committees and then read his Annual Address. It is an
interesting and able address and discussion with much care and
thought, the subjects of Education and Temperance as developed and
taught in the lessons of Masonry. He expressed "in no uncertain
terms his disapproval of a Mason engaging in the traffic of
intoxicating liquors.
He reviewed the action of Union Lodge No. 1 in the suspension of
Bro. D. Ware, "as having been contrary to all forms of Masonic trials,"
and ordered the lodge to give him Masonic burial. Bro. Ware had
been suspended for unmasonic conduct in the lodge room, and had
died while his application for reinstatement was still pending before
the lodge.
Permission was granted to Cedar Grove Lodge No. 18, at
Muchakinock to move to the new mining town of Buxton, where the
entire membership was now located.
The Committee on Masonic Benefits made the following report:
FIRST--We recommend assessments of twenty-five cents

($0.25) per capita as follows:
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SECOND--The first assessment to be paid at the regular

communication in October, 1901, the next at the regular
communication in January, 1902, and the next at the
communication in April, 1902.
THIRD--Each Secretary of each subordinate lodge is to

collect the same and keep a record and forward the same to
the Grand Secretary, who shall turn the same over to the
Grand Treasurer, and he to keep the same as a separate fund.
FOURTH---e recommend that no benefit be paid out until

after the sitting of the next G. L. and after that period the
deceased widow or estate to be paid the sum of $50.00 upon
certification of death.
FIFTH--In case the sum becomes exhausted the Grand
Secretary to be empowered to order an extra assessment of
25 cents from each member of each subordinate lodge.
Signed,
J. FRANK BLAGBURN, W. H. MILLIGAN,
E. T. BANKS,
W. A. SEARCY,
H. H. LEWIS, Secy.
Amended so as to read voluntarily.
Bro. I. L. Brown was re-elected Grand Master.

Bro. J. Frank Blagburn elected Grand Secretary.
Keokuk was chosen as the next place of meeting.
FIFTEENTH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION

Keokuk, July 8, 9, 10, 1902
BRO. T. L. BROWN, Grand Master

BRO. J. FRANK BLAGBURN, Grand Secretary
As provided by the action of the last Grand Session and in with

the provisions of the Constitution, the M. W. United Grand Lodge of
Iowa met in its Fifteenth Annual Session in the city of Keokuk on
Tuesday, July 8, 1902, at 10 o'clock A. M.
Grand Master I. L. Brown opened the Grand Lodge in Ample Form,
appointed his Committees and then read his Annual Address. He had
visited all but three of the lodges and issued 15 dispensations to do
work out of time.
Masonic Standing was granted to Bro. Thomas Jackson, of Mt.
Olive Lodge No. 17; Bro. E. Goins of Union Lodge No. 1, while Bro. R.
146
Crys prayer for restoration to membership in Union Lodge No. 1 was

denied.
A Committee was appointed to ascertain the need of a Masonic
Home.
An amendment to the By-Laws was adopted by which the annual
dues were raised from 50 cents to 75 cents.
The question of holding a School of Instruction was brought up as
unfinished business, and after thorough discussion, was laid on the
table.
A touching tribute on the life of the late President of the United
States, William McKinley, as taken by permission from the
Proceeding of the White Grand Lodge of Iowa, was presented by the
special committee and ordered printed in the proceedings. Memorial
services at the A. M. E. Church, a picnic at Rands Park and a public
installation and banquet at Gibbon's Opera House were the
interesting public features of the session.
A spirited contest between Buxton, Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and
Clinton for the honor of entertaining the next Grand Lodge resulted
in the choice of Des Moines.
Bro. I. L. Brown was re-elected Grand Master.
Bro. A. A. Bland elected Grand Secretary.
SIXTEENTH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION

Des Moines, July 14,15,16,1903

In obedience with the provisions of the Constitution the officers

and members of the M. W. United Grand Lodge of Iowa assembled in
the hall of North Star Lodge No. 2, in the city of Des Moines at 10 A.
M. Tuesday, July 14, 1903.
A constitutional number of lodges being represented the Grand
Master opened the Grand Lodge in Ample Form and after appointing
his Committees, read his Annual Address. It was quite a departure
from the formal reports that had constituted previous Annual
Addresses in that he devoted more than fourteen pages to an
interesting and elegant tribute to "Masonry" and its influence upon
mankind and the world in general. He visited ten of the fourteen
lodges and issued dispensation to ten to do work out of time.
Granted dispensation for a new lodge at Clarinda, which was
warranted as Golden Circle No. 27 and one at Seattle, Washington
which was warranted Trinity Lodge No. 28. He reported the formation
of a Grand Lodge for the State of Washington but that their lodges in
that state remained loyal to Iowa. He favored recognizing the new
147
Grand Body as soon as it was shown to have been legally formed. He

recommended that all lodges in arrears of dues to the Grand Lodge
be granted such dues and made clear of the books.
The Committee appointed to codify the laws of the Grand and
subordinate lodges into a complete Code to govern all Masonic
lodges was unable to complete the work during the session. It was
continued with authority to act during the recess of Grand Lodge and
have its report ready for action at the next session and one day was
added to the next annual session to be known as Codification Day.
The Committee was composed of Bro. Geo. L. Suter, Eureka Lodge
No. 20, Chairman; Bro. E. T. Banks, North Star Lodge No. 2 and Bro.
H. K. Hillon, Rescue Lodge No. 25. They were all well informed in
Masonic jurisprudence and fully qualified to perform the work
assigned. The Committee together with the elective Grand Officers
was ordered to meet in the city of Omaha, Neb., the Monday before
the meeting of the next Grand Lodge.
The Grand Lodge upon invitation of Governor A. B. Cummins,
visited the State House, Tuesday afternoon.
Decatur Lodge No. 13 at Sioux City was granted permission to
change its number to 14, originally held by Anchor Lodge of
Minneapolis.
The raising of Grand Lodge dues from 50 cents to 75 cents at the
last session was discussed as to its legality. The Grand Lodge dues
were provided for and the amount fixed in the Constitution, Article
XIII, which could not be annulled at one session. The Grand Master
decided that the action had the unanimous vote of the Grand Lodge
and was valid; and that the amendment made last year will stand
until changed by this Grand Lodge.
The Committee appointed to investigate the needs of a Masonic
Home reported they had thus far found but three indigent Masons in
the jurisdiction who would enter the home if one was provided.
Committee was continued.
Bro. I. L. Brown re-elected Grand Master.
A. A. Bland re-elected Grand Secretary.
Omaha, Neb., was selected as the next place of meeting.
SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION

Omaha, Neb., July 12, 13, 14, 1904
BR. I. L. BROWN, Grand Master

BR. A. A. BLAND, Grand Secretary
Pursuant to the order at the last session and in accordance with

the provisions of the Constitution, the M. W. United Grand Lodge of
Iowa and its Masonic jurisdiction (the same embracing the whole of
148
Iowa, parts of the states of Washington, and Nebraska) convened in

the city of Omaha, Neb., at 10 O'clock A. M., on Tuesday July 12, 1904.
At the time of the organization of the United Grand Lodge,
African Grand Lodge of Iowa held three lodges in the State of
Minnesota. These lodges were allowed representatives in the
Convention that formed the United Grand Lodge and remained under
the Iowa jurisdiction until the formation of the Grand Lodge of
Minnesota.
The United Grand Lodge organized two lodges in Wisconsin, three
in the State of Washington and one in Nebraska, Rescue No. 25, where
this session was being held. It was the first time the United Grand
Lodge had held its Annual Session outside of the State of Iowa,
although African Grand Lodge held its fourth annual session in St.
Paul in 1885.
Grand Master Brown opened the Grand Lodge in Ample Form and
appointed the usual Committees. At the afternoon session he read
his Annual Address. Most of the address was devoted to a review of
the circumstances which led to the organization of Rescue Lodge. As
it had been made an excuse for the Grand Lodge of Missouri severing
fraternal relations with the United Grand Lodge, we give here the full
text of the facts, as presented by Grand Master Brown.
By reason of the much mooted question of Rescue Lodge

No. 25, 1 deem it only proper to give this Grand Body the full
statement of facts in the case as prepared by Brother H. K.
Hillon, which will explain the cause of Rescue No. 25 being in
the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Iowa. Also the part
the G. M. of Iowa has taken in the controversy, and is to be
accepted as Iowa's side of the contention. It is to be
considered as part of my official report, and I recommend
the same be printed in full in the proceedings of this Grand
Session, that the Masons of Iowa may thoroughly
comprehend the situation in all its disagreeable phases.
It has been the hope of the members of Rescue Lodge
No. 25, A. F. & A. M., that the shameful and unmasonic
conduct of the colored Grand Lodge of Missouri, and her
colleagues, die within the walls of the colored Masonic
fraternity, particularly at this time when many white Grand
Lodges in America are on the brink of universal Masonic
recognition. But it is evident by the publication through the
Omaha Enterprise of Aug. 25th, of the severance of fraternal
relations with the Grand Lodge of Iowa, that Missouri Grand
Lodge is not content with the shameful and unmasonic
manner in which she dealt with Rescue Lodge while under
her jurisdiction and which causes Rescue Lodge to seek
149
protection under the Masonic wing of Iowa Grand Lodge,

but want the public to know that since she can do no more
directly against Rescue Lodge she has now concluded to
make Iowa Grand Lodge the object of her spite. Since this
appears to be the fact, the public may know the cause as
well as the effect. Read and you will learn something of the
caliber of Grand Lodge and her dictators.
This trouble dates back to '95 when a number of
members the in lodges Nos. 74 and 110 under the Missouri
jurisdiction, honorably and regularly withdrew their
membership because of the class of people in them and their
conduct, and the suicidal manner in which they persisted in
conducting lodge affairs, proof of this lying in the fact that
both Missouri's subordinate lodges in Omaha are defendants
in the Douglas County courts right now. Those members
withdrew and formed a club, and asked Grand Master, J. H.
Pelham, for instructions in the procedure. He gave the same
and advised the club to go ahead, preparatory to
organization of a new lodge. Neither of the old lodges would
recommend the club as per constitution.
After nearly one year of constant work on this matter,
guided all the while by Pelham, the following letter (a copy
of which is on file and before me now, which was sent to
Pelham from the club) will explain much:
Omaha, Neb., May 7, 1896

J. H. Pedham, M. W. G. M.
Dear Sir and Brother: With profound respect for the
honorable and important position you hold we have been
made to assert our manliness in just defense. We now
detach the man from the office and state herein a few facts
for you to ponder over. Our long forbearance with you has at
least ceased. We feel and believe you have trifling with our
patience for ten or eleven months past. We feel that in the
end we will find our labors have went for naught. Ten
months ago we asked the Grand Lodge for a dispensation to
organize a new lodge. It was left to you with power to act.
You told our representative you would come to Omaha
within six weeks and see how matter stand. Did you do it?
We have on file a letter from you, dated Oct. 21st, '95 saying
you would be in Omaha on or about the 10th of November.
Did you do it? We have on file a telegram dated Nov. 29th,
'95, saying you would be here the following Saturday. You
came, but did you do as you said you would when you
came? That night in open session did you not say the
150
unimpaired Masonic standing of this club warranted you in

granting a dispensation and that you would do so if five
more members were added to the club and that you would
do so regardless of a recommendation from either No. 74 or
110, as you could plainly see the spirit of opposition was so
great that it would be impossible to get the same?
Have we not complied with your every requirement, not
in only this, but in every particular?
On file, from you, dated March 11th, '96, you say I have
concluded to grant the prayer: send petition and $40.00 and I
shall act within ten days after receiving the money." Have
you done it? The money was forwarded you by express,
March 18th, '96, and you received the same. On file from you,
dated April 14th, '96, you say "I shall be in Omaha in a very
few days to organize you." Did you do so?
Notwithstanding you have failed to keep your word in
almost every instance (with us) we have confided in you,
and thought you would deal with us justly and fairly. From
the way you have used and misused us in this matter this
body of men and Masons this body of men and Masons--
trusted Masonic advocates--has been led to fear that the
Grand East has either forgotten a very important portion of
his obligation or has allowed himself to fall into the wake of
the class of Masons (?) which was the cause of this
important move.
Even the limited experience some of our club members
have had at Missouri Grand Lodge sessions is sufficient to
give knowledge of the many different methods (anything but
Masonic to say the least) used to accomplish an object, but
we think the Grand East far above such conduct. We speak
just as we feel in this matter. We feel and know that a good
cause has been murdered by men of brain, but void of
Masonic principle for a selfish reason.
0n April 24th, '96, we requested that you either act on
the petition, or send it and our money back to us, to which
you have made no reply whatever. Now we demand that you
return petition and $40.00 we sent you March 18, '96
With due respect for your official position, we must tell
you that your actions, or rather inactions, have aroused a
spirit of independence within us, and we feel there is a just
cause for it, too.
We do this with much regret, but we are determined to
bring this matter to a head at once.
Signed, MASONIC CLUB.

151
This letter brought him. Rather than let go the money he

came to Omaha June 10th, '96, held a conference with M. 0.
Ricketts, T. P. Mahammitt and A. D. White, they being the
leaders in opposition, asked them if they would object to a
dispensation to organize us in South Omaha. They said no,
providing at no time should the new lodge move to Omaha.
Pelham promised those men that should be. The same he
met our club and promised us that if we would consent to
being set up in South Omaha that as soon as we got our
warrant (Aug. '96) we could come to and remain in Omaha
permanently. We agreed to do this, and told him that under
no other circumstances would we agree to stay longer in
South Omaha, as all our members lived in Omaha, save one.
The dispensation was granted.

Pelham left town that same evening, leaving G. F. Franklin to do
the work, who in turn deputized R. W. Freeman to go to South
Omaha and set up the lodge, which he did on June 18th, '96. On this
occasion the club paid Pelham $5.00 more, which he exacted of us.
Warrant was granted on Aug. 20th, '96. By repeated solicitations
Pelham granted a removal to Omaha, September 28th, '96.
At the Grand Lodge session Aug. '97, M. 0. Ricketts, for his lodge,
threatened to surrender his warrant, No. 110, if our lodge was not
made go to South Omaha and stay. At said session Pelham appointed
himself and W. H. Jones a commission to come to Omaha and see to
the matter. They arrived in Omaha Aug. 29, '97, and held a joint
session of all three lodges next night, at which time one of the most
dastardly and unlawful, as well as highly unmasonic, acts was
committed by one C. E. Coleman, member of No. 74, in the presence
of G. M. J. H. Pelham, as well as all others present without even one
word of rebuke from the lips of the grand head presiding. He,
Coleman, without the least provocation, whipped out a large sized
revolver and brandished it in the air with threats of using it on one of
our lodge members under certain circumstances.
The commission rendered decision as follows:
For the promotion of Masonic peace and harmony, Acacia Lodge
No. 46, (that being our name and number under Missouri) will leave
her lodge rooms in Omaha stand furnished as they are, hold their
meetings through the month of October in South Omaha and resume
our former position in Omaha, November, '97.
We obeyed, secured the privileges of the A. M. E. church in South
Omaha, held a well attended Lodge Communication October 11th, '97,
and at no time through the month of October did our lodge attempt
to hold meetings in Omaha. Our first meeting held in Omaha after
152
complying with the above order was Nov. 9th '97. The special object
of this meeting was to decide the question of surrendering our
warrant for the reason that Pelham failed to give us orders to return
to Omaha, other than by the original decision of the commission. His
district deputy, G. F. Franklin, was present at this meeting and stated
to the lodge that he had reported to Pelham: "Orders complied with,"
and read from Pelham as follows:
"Hannibal, Mo., Oct. 27, '97.

Respectfully referred to the D. D. Grand with power to act. "J. H.
Pelham, G. M."
There and then Franklin gave us orders to hold our meetings
permanently in Omaha. That settled the question of surrender.
At the annual grand session held at Springfield, Mo., Aug. '98, our
lodge had no representation. Feeling financially unable to pay G. L.
assessments and a delegate's expenses, too, caused by fees, taxation
and the many useless and unjust bills created by their acts, we made
Franklin our proxy, but he took quite ill on his way to Springfield and
was placed under a doctor's care at Kansas City and did not get to
the grand session. Hence our lodge had no representation.
Finding us in this position, Ricketts took advantage of it and
landed the knockout blow by making a false accusation, that we had
not complied with the orders of the commission in that we had not
met in South Omaha as reported.
Notwithstanding on file in the office of the presiding officer was
the report of his deputy to the contrary. Pelham, without one word
of defense for us, allowed the following resolution to pass, to wit:
Acacia Lodge No. 46, not having carried out the

provisions of the commissioners, said lodge to hold their
meetings in South Omaha until such time as the Grand
Master may choose to allow them to meet in Omaha.
Under date of Aug. 20th, '98, Pelham sent us notice of the passing
of the resolution as above stated, but did not say when it should go
into effect. Aug. 31, '98, we answered as follows:
(First giving in detail facts in the case, we said:)
We keep a true record of all business transacted, the

same is subject to the inspection of the Grand Lodge Grand
Master, or his deputy or any other true Mason, so you and
all may know that not a single order or request of yours
from the birth of 'Acacia' up to the present time has been
disobeyed. If you consider your deputy unreliable, that you
153
could not accept his report on this matter as correct, why

did you not have the matter rest and ask for our records?
Believing that if your orders are enforced it will be the
cause of Acacia's disorganization, we ask that a stay of
enforcement of the resolution be granted until we have been
given a chance to vindicate ourselves of the false accusation
of M. 0. Ricketts which caused the resolution. Our proxy not
being present, we were at your mercy.
--SECRETARY.
Our lodge received from Pelham on Nov. 7th, '98, the same notice
as the other. We at once sent a delegate to Marshalltown, Iowa, to
confer with I. L. Brown, Grand Master of that State. We laid before
him a bundle of documentary evidences as to how we had been
mistreated and wronged at the hands of Missouri and her associates
in this matter and asked him for protection. He said:
The evidence before me is sufficient proof of the continuation of
gross injustice at the hands of Missouri's Grand Master, Grand Lodge
and your enemies in the cause of Masonry, and is sufficient to
warrant any Grand Lodge in coming to your rescue; therefore, if your
lodge will proceed regularly by first paying Missouri all moneys due
her and surrender to her your warrant, I will grant a dispensation to
work under Iowa."
In regular session of our lodge Dec. 5th, '99, we surrendered our
warrant, which, together with $12.63 money order, was mailed to
Pelham's address asking him for the return of receipt for money.
Again and again did we ask for receipt for money sent at this time,
but to no purpose; he would only say: "I received your, dated Dec. 6,
'98, with contents;" but we did finally get the post office receipt from
the Omaha postmaster, showing that Pelham had received the
money.
At the same time we surrendered our warrant, we asked for a
dispensation from Iowa, which was received Dec. 7th, '98. So there
was no time elapsed between the surrender and the granting of the
dispensation.
Grand Master Brown advised T. S. Parvin, Grand Secretary of the
Iowa (white) Grand Lodge of his actions and asked his opinion of the
correctness of the same and Mr. Parvin said:
The rights of Grand Lodges in states or territories where

there is no Grand Lodge is too well established to allow one
Grand Lodge to exclude all others. You have done right in
granting a dispensation.
154
Ricketts says in his article: "Acacia Lodge was ordered to within

ninety days after the passage of the resolution" etc. Pelham's notice
to us certainly was in error, as it did not mention when the order
should take effect. Acacia Lodge never disobeyed orders, but had
been under persecution at the hands of Masonic enemies, and she
has done nothing other than break down under the yoke of injustice
at the hands of an unjust Grand Master and those who have kept him
in the Grand Oriental chair sixteen consecutive years, a precedent
believed never before recorded in the annals of Free Masonry.
Ricketts directs the public to Sec. 10 of Missouri By-Laws, wherein
it says: "The forfeiture, arrest or surrender of a lodge involves the
suspension of all its members," etc. Why did he not further quote
Sec. 9 of the same laws wherein says: "In case of the dissolution of a
lodge, the Grand Secretary or some brother shall at once proceed to
receive its funds on hands, collect its outstanding dues, and dispose
of its jewels, furniture and other property of every kind, and he shall
place the proceeds thereof in the treasury of the Grand Lodge" and
why did Pelham accept the warrant and money and not take steps to
recover our effects as per law nor notify us of our Masonic standing,
for he did not know that we had been accepted into Iowa for several
weeks after?
We believe the framers of this law did not expect a case of this
kind to ever occur that a lodge working regularly and in a healthy
financial condition as was "Acacia" would ever surrender their
warrant. Had this dawned upon their minds we believe such lodges
would have been exempt; but however that may be, is it not bondage
Masonry where a lodge, after paying all they owe to the Grand Lodge,
must still give them their lawful possessions, purchased with their
individual money?
We do not think any Masonic records show a lodge surrendered
while in a healthy condition; and why is not Pelham satisfied to be
relieved of a portion of trouble? This is what he says in his annual
address in 1896.
We, the commission, went to Omaha, etc.; etc. We found

the two old lodges very much opposed to the new lodge,
and the new lodge very much incensed over the attitude of
the old lodges. No. 74 expressed their opposition in a very
conservative, cautious manner. No. 110 manifested more
decided opposition. It is my impression that the real trouble
in Omaha is beyond any remedy that this body can suggest;
etc.
Pelham pretends not to know what caused this opposition; but

he does. It was this: Because we, while members of the old lodges
155
were persistent in our demands that the land-ark and true principles
of Free Masonry, and the constitutional requirements, be more,
closely observed. We demand that the following crimes and offenses,
of which many of their members were guilty, be checked.
Misappropriation of lodge funds, gambling and conducting gambling
dens, drunkenness and running whiskey shops are among the counts.
Every statement herein made is a fact and on file in the office of
the secretary of Rescue Lodge No. 25, are documentary evidence to
back it up; and because I. L. Brown and the members of the Iowa
Grand Lodge are Masons good and true enough to come to the
rescue of worthy brother Masons, they have committed a heinous
crime in the sight of Missouri and her colleagues, and she must
either undo what she has done and deliver Rescue Lodge up to
Missouri for them to appease their wrath upon or lose what little
fraternal friendship they once had for Iowa.
A new lodge organized at Dubuque, and warranted as Dubuque
Lodge No. 29. The lodge at Newton was renewed under its old name;
Newton Lodge No. 8.
The report of the Code Committee was approved and the chairman
authorized to have the new Code printed and distributed to the
lodges.
The Grand Lodge denounced as irregular and spurious the actions
of one John G. Jones in attempting to organize a clandestine Grand
Lodge in Illinois, and "pledged its moral support to the regular and
constitutional Grand Lodge of Illinois in its effort to preserve the
dignity and integrity of its rightful authority." Mr. Jones a leading
lawyer of Chicago and for years a prominent leader of Masonry in the
Illinois jurisdiction had been expelled for gross unmasonic conduct,
and the Iowa jurisdiction so notified. He was well known in this
jurisdiction for his activities in York and Scottish rite Masonry and
had been honored by having a lodge at Council Bluffs named after
him,
The Committee appointed to make an equal distribution of money
collected for charity for the years of 1903 and 1904, found a total on
hand of $221.08 and recommended that $25.00 be the limited amount
for the first year, beginning from this Grand Session, and as funds
increased so shall the benefits increase to the amount of $50.00, but
should the treasury decrease, so, shall the benefits decrease in
proportion.
Net cash balance on hand, $432.31.
Bro. T. L. Brown re-elected Grand Master.
Bro. W. W. Gross elected Grand Secretary.
Cedar Rapids chosen as the next place of meeting
EIGHTEENTH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION

156
Cedar Rapids, July 11, 12, 13, 1905

BRO. W. W. GROSS, Grand Secretary
The M. W. United Grand Lodge for Iowa and jurisdiction, obedient

to provisions of its Constitution, convened in its Eighteenth Annual
Communication at 10 o'clock A. M. in Masquake Hall in Cedar Rapids,
Iowa on Tuesday, July 11, 1905.
Master I. L. Brown opened the Grand Lodge in Ample Form and
appointed his committees.
A cordial welcome was extended on behalf of Mt. Olive Lodge by
Bro. Luther Lowery and responded to on behalf of the Grand Lodge
by Past Grand Master A. A. Bland.
At the afternoon session Grand Master Brown read his Annual
Address. He devoted seven pages to the subject "The Mental
Habitation," which is replete with inspiring sentiment. Visited all but
two lodges. Suspended one member of Hiram Lodge while there
whom I did not think fit to belong to a Masonic Lodge." The
Committee failed to mention it. November 1, 1904 set up a new lodge
at Enterprise, Iowa to be known as Doric U. D. warranted No. 30.
Bro. Geo. L. Suter, chairman of the Code Committee, gave a
detailed report covering the cost of printing and distribution of
the Code, for which work the Grand Lodge presented him with a
handsome Past Master's - jewel. The best and accurate history of
the Code is given by Bro. Suter in the Preface to the first edition
(1905) of the Code and is reproduced here in full.
The craft of the jurisdiction are to be congratulated upon the

final adoption of a constitution and code for their guidance.
The failure of repeated efforts heretofore made in the same
direction has contributed much to the formation of a
purpose to make this a success.
At the annual communication of the Grand Lodge in 1902 the

Grand Master in his report to some extent reviewed the proceedings
of the Grand Lodge with a view to bring to the attention of the craft
the true condition of our statutory laws, and the necessity of
immediate steps in the direction of securing a system of laws of
themselves, adequate and so compiled as to render them of practical
use. Upon these suggestions the Committee on Grand Master's
address, by its chairman Geo. L. Suter, in its review of the report of
the Grand Master, recommended that a committee of three, to
consist of Brothers Geo. L. Suter, E. T. Banks and J. E. Todd, should
157
be appointed to prepare and report a Code of Masonic Law.

Thereafter and at the same session at the instance of Brother J. H.
Shepard the duty of preparing and reporting a new constitution was
assigned to the same committee and thus the Grand Lodge embarked
upon an enterprise of providing a complete system of written law. At
the annual communication in 1903 the committee presented its draft
for a constitution which, after amendments to conform to the
judgment of the Grand Lodge, was approved and passed for
consideration, and a committee was appointed to consist of Brothers
Geo. L. Suter, E. T. Banks, and H. K. Hillon.
As was required for constitutional enactments, at the
Communication of the Grand Lodge in 1904 the Constitution was
then approved, and became the fundamental law of the jurisdiction,
At the same communication the committee reported a Code,
which with some amendments was adopted, and is the law herewith
presented.
To assume that the laws will meet the demands or expectations
of the Craft would be unwarranted, but there is great reason to
believe that by a "due attention" on the part of those who are to
construe them, much of the embarrassment of the past may be
avoided.
Much of the confusion in the past was occasioned by
irregularities if not illegalities in our legislative proceedings. And the
question has often arisen as to whether or not particular acts were
designed as law. This constitution and code presents to the Craft the
entire written law of the jurisdiction, and hence, as to such law, the
past records of the Grand Lodge will furnish no light. The Code of
Masonic Law, and such acts of the Grand Lodge as may properly
amend or modify it will constitute the written law. At the regular
communication of the Grand Lodge in 1904, after the adoption of the
Code of Masonic Law, the writer hereof was appointed to publish
and distribute the same and it is herewith presented to the Craft
with the hope that its use may not prove the effort a fruitless one.
Fraternally,
GEO. L. SUTER,
Chairman of Masonic Code.
Bro. Win. Burrell submitted a report on the matter of establishing

a Masonic Home, but no action was taken.
An hour's instructive entertainment was enjoyed by the members
of the Grand Lodge at the Iowa Masonic Library on invitation of the
management and under the direction of the librarian, Mr. J. E.
Malcombe.
The Grand Lodge having adopted a new Code of Laws decided it
was proper time to select a new set of officers. Bro. I. L. Brown who
158
had served with much ability and general satisfaction in the office of
Grand Master for the past seven years, a record for service that has
never been equaled in that office in the Iowa jurisdiction, was
succeeded by Deputy Grand Master, Bro. W. H. Milligan who was
elected Grand Master. Bro. H. K. Hillon, was elected Grand Secretary
and Bro. E. T. Banks was elected Grand Custodian, an office created
by the new Code and charged with authority to disseminate the
ritualistic work in place of the Grand Lecturer. Burlington was
selected as the next place of meeting.
NINETEENTH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION

Burlington, Iowa, July 10, 11, 12, 1906
BRO. W. H. MILLIGAN, Grand Master

BRO. H. K. HILLON, Grand Secretary
Pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution the M. W. United

Grand Lodge of Iowa convened in its Nineteenth Annual
Communication, in Grand Army Hall in the City of Burlington,
Tuesday July 10, 1906 at 8:45 A. M. A school of Instruction was
opened and the First Rank conferred upon three candidates by a
degree team from Mt. Olive Lodge No. 17, of Cedar Rapids.
At 11 o'clock a constitutional number of lodges being represented
Grand Master Milligan opened the Grand Lodge in Ample Form and
admonished the members to give their prompt and continuous
attendance during the entire session.
At the afternoon sessions the Grand Master announced his
committees and read his Annual Address,
He had visited all lodges. Issued a dispensation for a new lodge at
North Yakima, State of Washington, which was warranted, Guiding
Star No. 31. Deputized Bro. H. K. Hillon, Grand Secretary, to lay the
corner stone of Bethel A. M. E. Church at Council Bluffs. Refused to
recognize the so-called Grand Lodge of Oregon and Washington and
the so-called Grand Lodge of Oklahoma and Indian Territory, such
combinations being held as contrary to the doctrine of State
Sovereignty in Masonic jurisdictions. Declared against the growing
practice of subordinate lodges paying sick benefits, as being contrary
to the principle of true Masonic Charity. He had refused all requests
for dispensation to do work out of time. He reported having
satisfactorily adjusted the Missouri controversy and restored
Masonic relations between the two jurisdictions. On this subject he
said:
On the 14th of August, 1905, I opened correspondence with

Bro. C. 0. Williams M. W. G. M. of Missouri with a view to
159
bringing the long, drawn-out trouble between the respective

jurisdictions of Iowa and Missouri to an end which was
continued until October 3rd, it which time Bro. Williams
gave me the basis which I accepted, and which was also
accepted by the members of what was known under Iowa as
Rescue Lodge No. 25. Each of these men who were members,
of Accacia Lodge at the time they surrendered their warrant
to, Missouri petitioned M. W. G. M. Williams through me for
Grand Lodge Demits, which were granted free of charge and
here ended the controversy.
As is well known from former reports to this Grand Lodge Rescue

Lodge did pay all claims made on her by Missouri before
surrendering her Warrant, this released them as a Lodge, but left
them still individually under Missouri and the only way out was by
Grand Lodge Demits.
The reader may still ask: "Why did not Grand Master Pelham issue
those demits when Acacia Lodge surrendered its warrant? Perhaps
only those who are acquainted with the history of the Pelham regime
in Missouri can answer.
The Grand Master recommended several changes in the new Code,
and several amendments were offered from the floor, but the Grand
Lodge appeared to be well satisfied with the new laws and rejected
all attempts to make radical changes. Past Grand Master J. H.
Shepard, who was one of the best Masonic jurists in the Grand Lodge
took occasion to discuss the new Code in the preface to his report
on Fraternal Correspondence, and of it he says: "You have heard a
great deal of complaints as to the law that governs our Grand Lodge
and the subordinate lodges. It is true that the Code is new, and in
many ways is a change from the old law. We believe all that is
required is a better understanding. We have just returned from a
careful study of the new Code and we are prepared to say that it is in
harmony with the general law of the order and there are but few
chances needed, and as fast as it is understood, just so fast will it
find its friends increasing. The greatest mistake that was made is that
it was not indexed. It puts one that is not familiar with it to some
trouble to find the law that treats on a given subject. Give the code a
chance and it will win the friendship of every Mason in the State that
will study it with a desire to understand it."
Bro. J. H. Shepard, Bro. H. K. Hillon and Bro. H. E. Jacobs were
appointed as standing committee to compile a history of Negro
Masonry in the State of Iowa with instructions to report at the 1907
session.
A resolution by Bro. W. W. Gross to have the Grand Lodge
incorporated was defeated.
160
The special committee to audit the accounts of the 1905 Grand

Session, reported that Past Grand Treasurer Wm. Coalson was
indebted to the Grand Lodge in the sum of $25.00.
Bro. H. K. Hillon, Grand Secretary in his annual report took
occasion to severely criticize the condition in which he found the
records and property of the Grand Lodge when he took over the
office. He reported having gathered together a complete set of the
proceedings from 1888, to date; had them bound into one volume
and placed in the office as the property of the Grand Lodge. We
wonder what became of them.
A school of Instruction was held on the morning of the last day at
which the third degree was exemplified by a degree team from North
Star Lodge, No. 2, of Des Moines.
Bro. W. H. Milligan re-elected Grand Master.
Bro. H. K. Hillon re-elected Grand Secretary.
Bro. E. T. Banks re-elected Grand Custodian.
Des Moines was selected as the place for holding the Annual
Communication.
TWENTIETH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION


BRO. H. K. HILLON, Grand Secretary
A school of Instruction was conducted by the Grand Custodian in

North Star Lodge Hall on the evening before the opening of the Grand
Lodge. The degree work was exemplified by a degree team selected
from North Star Lodge and was in strict accordance with the new
ritual authorized by the Constitution of the new Code. It is claimed
this work was being used in some of the lodges prior to the adoption
of the Code but there is no record authorizing its use to be found in
any of the printed proceedings. Bro. Banks, who served as Custodian
from 1905 to 1908, did not take kindly to the new ritual and was not
enthusiastic in its use.
Pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution, the M. W. United
Grand Lodge of Iowa convened in its Twentieth Annual
Communication at 10:00 A. M. Tuesday, July 9, 1907, in the Hall of
North Star Lodge, No. 2 in Des Moines, Iowa.
Master W. H. Milligan opened the Grand Lodge in Ample Form, and
appointed his Committees. At the afternoon session, he read his
Annual Address. The address is devoted largely to a review of his
visits to the subordinate lodges and his recommendation in support
of a better financial policy for the Endowment Department.
161
These recommendations were adopted by the Grand Lodge and

for the first time the Endowment Department was placed on a sound
financial basis, and it has prospered and functioned satisfactorily
ever since. He laid the corner stone of the Second Baptist Church at
Buxton on October 8, 1906.
Grand Master Milligan was selected as the delegate to the Masonic
Congress at Norfolk, Va.
The Grand Lodge revoked the warrants of Albia Star Lodge No. 26
at Albia and Crystal Lodge No. 24 at Chariton. Both lodges had
become defunct. The case of Hiram Lodge No. 19, at Davenport,
whose warrant had been arrested by the Grand Master, and the case
of Golden Circle Lodge No. 27, at Clarinda, which had surrendered its
warrant, were placed in the hands of the Grand Master for further
consideration.
Greetings were received from the Grand Lodge of Missouri, the
first in three years.
Recognized the Grand Lodge of Washington. Three lodges were
thereby lost to the Iowa jurisdiction,
It was ordered that Union Lodge No. 1, be notified of the failure of
her representatives to attend the sessions of the Grand Lodge while
in Des Moines, and it was further ordered "that hereafter the Grand
Secretary report to the Worshipful Master of any lodge whose
delegate does not attend the Grand Lodge while it is in session."
Bro. W. H. Milligan re-elected Grand Master.
Bro. H. K. Hillon elected Grand Treasurer.
Bro. T. H. Sturgis elected Grand Secretary.
Bro. E. T. Banks re-elected Grand Custodian.
The Committee on History was continued although there is no
report of its work in the proceedings.
Buxton was selected as the place for holding the next Annual
Communication.
Cash on hand at close of session $376.29.
TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL COMMUNICATION

Buxton, Iowa, July 14,15,16, 1908

BRO. T. H. STURGIS, Grand Secretary
Pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution the M. W. United

Grand Lodge of Iowa convened in its Twenty-First Annual
Communication in the Auditorium of the Y. M. C. A. in Buxton, Iowa
at 10:30 A. M. Tuesday, July 14, 1908. A constitutional number of
lodges being represented, Grand Master W. H. Milligan opened the
162
Grand Lodge in Ample Form and appointed his Committees. At the

afternoon session he read his Annual Address. He gave a short review
of the work accomplished during the past twenty-one years and
spoke encouragingly of the future. He had visited all the lodges and
reminded the members that it was in the subordinate lodges and not
in the Grand Lodges that the real work of Masonry was to be done.
On December 22, 1907 had laid the corner stone of the Second A. M.
E. Church in Buxton. Spoke of the Masonic Congress at Jamestown,
Va., as being interesting and helpful to all who attended. Organized
Twin City Lodge U. D. at Council Bluffs. Dispensation continued.
Recommended a per-diem be fixed for the Grand Master and his
Deputies when on official business. No action taken.
The Grand Lodge appropriated $10.00 to the W. H. Upton
Monument fund. Authorized Union Lodge No. 1 to solicit funds for a
Monument for Rev. Bro. Amos Johnson. Voted down a proposition
to locate the Grand Lodge permanently.
The Grand Master was empowered to confer with the Grand
Lodge of Illinois and ascertain on what terms Illinois would accept
Iowa's indigent Masons and care for them in their Masonic Home at
Rock Island, Ill., the cost to be borne by the Grand Lodge. An
invitation was received from Prince Hall Grand Lodge of
Massachusetts to be represented by delegate at the Centennial
observance to be held in Boston, Sept. 8, 1908, and the Grand
Secretary was instructed to issue certificates to all who desired to
attend.
I find no report of the Historical Committee that had served
during the past two years. However, an entire New Committee was
appointed consisting of Brothers I. L. Brown, John L. Thompson and
J. Wilbur Norris.
The Grand Master, Grand Treasurer and Grand Secretary were re-
elected. Bro. W. P. Wade of Rescue Lodge No. 25, elected Grand
Custodian. Keokuk was chosen as the place for holding the next
Annual Communication.
Cash balance in Treasury $374.87.
TWENTY-SECOND ANNUAL COMMUNICATION

It being the hour of 9 o'clock A. M. on Tuesday, July 13, 1909 and

in accordance with the Constitution the M. W. United Grand Lodge of
Iowa assembled in the Hall of Union Lodge No. I at Keokuk, Iowa and
was opened in Ample Form by Grand Master W. H. Milligan, who
then appointed his Committees.
At the afternoon session the Grand Master read his Annual
Address. He "found with a exceptions, very little cause for complaint
163
touching the condition of the Craft in the jurisdiction." He had

visited all the lodges except No. 8 at Newton and No. 16 at Oskaloosa.
Had found much improvement in jurisprudence, the Code and the
ritual. It is difficult for one to accept this statement as representing
the true condition if one is to judge from some of the arguments
made on the floor at this session. Was unable to get any reply to his
letters to the Grand Master of Illinois in regard to the matter of
placing Iowa's indigent Masons in the Illinois Masonic Home. He
refused a dispensation for a new lodge in South Omaha, Neb.
He organized a second lodge in the City of Des Moines and in
reporting this work he said: "By virtue of vested authority I have
opened and dispensated a new lodge in the city of Des Moines to be
known as Hiram Lodge, U. D., Brother S. Joe Brown, W. M.
As to this work there has been a great amount of comment as to
the stand I have taken. Four years ago when I was placed in the Grand
East I was urged to set up a new lodge in Des Moines, as it seemed
that North Star No. 2, had declared by the power in the black ball
vested she would make no more Masons, but I would not consider
the matter at that time thinking and hoping the deadlock of North
Star would be broken, but this was vain hope, Matters went on so
until this lodge went down from eighty-seven members to fifty-six
last report, 1908, when they should have had at least one hundred
and twenty-five members. On or about the first of October, 1908, I
received a petition from fifteen men that wanted to be made Masons
and set apart as a lodge. I investigated the matter and found they
were all good timber but did not want to petition North Star, as
many of their friends had done and been turned down. I then took
the matter up with North Star, sending them the names of the
petitioners, asking them if they would recommend these men as
good timber for the building and live consent to setting them apart
as a new lodge. In a few days I received an answer from them that
they would not consent to the organization of a new lodge, with no
plausible reason whatever, only Des Moines did not need another
Masonic Lodge (which was true if the one they had would let any one
in either profane or by demit.)
December 14th I met North Star and asked the lodge if they had
anything against any of the men whose names were attached to this
petition. Not a word was said against one of them. I at once decided
if North Star would not make Masons in Des Moines I would,
believing the actions of North Star was in accord with Lockwood's
Masonic Law and Practice (see page 25) and more of a personal
matter than anything else. I invited Doric Lodge No. 30, of Enterprise,
to meet in Des Moines, January 22, 1909, to assist me to do the work,
and they were there, also some of North Star members, and we did
the work and Hiram Lodge has been doing work ever since and will
164
ask the Grand Lodge for a warrant at this session. Now, my dear
Brothers, seeing the wheels of Masonic Progress at a stand still I felt
it was my duty, as Grand Master, to move them, knowing it to be for
the good of the order. I did it, now it is with you to say if I did right
or wrong in this case. The request for a warrant was referred to the
Committee on Dispensations and Charters which made the following
report:
After having examined the dispensation of said Hiram U.

D. lodge located at Des Moines, and after having heard the
testimony of the M. W. G. Master and W. M. of North Star
Lodge No. 2, located at Des Moines, we, your committee,
recommend that the Grand Lodge revoke this dispensation
and empower the Grand Master to grant each member of
said U. D. Lodge a demit which will give them Masonic
standing, the committee having been assured by the W. M.
of North Star Lodge No. 2 that on application by said
members of the U. D. lodge there would be no difficulty for
them to place their membership in said North Star Lodge
No. 4.
A. L. DREW, Chairman,
H. T. ELLIOTT,
GEO. L. SUTER,
Committee.
On the motion to adopt this report there occurred what will go

down in history as the most acrimonious debate that has ever
occurred on the floor of the United Grand Lodge. After nearly two
days of contention the Grand Lodge by a vote of 21 to 11 adopted the
report and thereby not only denied the new lodge a warrant but
revoked the dispensation. No one will question its power or
authority to do both. Two questions seem to have been stressed in
the arguments: Did the Grand Master have authority to a new lodge
without the "recommendation of the nearest lodge? and was it
advisable to have a second lodge in the city of Des Moines? This last
question, we believe was the real influence that controlled the action
of the Grand Lodge. To contend that the Grand Master at that time
did not have authority to place a lodge in Des Moines, without the
recommendation of North Star Lodge, which was the nearest lodge,
would disclose as we believe, a lack of knowledge and understanding
of the Code. Prior to the adoption of the Code in 1904, the
Constitution provided the petition for a new lodge must have the
recommendation of the nearest lodge. The Code reads, Sec. 8, Article
12: "Nor shall any dispensation issue for a lodge until the chartered
lodge nearest the proposed location shall have notice of the
165
application, and on opportunity given for a statement of their

reasons for and against the granting of such dispensation." This it
seems Grand Mister Milligan had done. This lodge was prohibited by
law from using the name Hiram, as there had been a lodge by that
name.
In referring to House File No. 136 of the General Assembly of Iowa,
generally known at that time as the Harding Bill, he said:
A bill for an act to protect benevolent, humane, fraternal

or charitable corporations in use of their names and
emblems and providing penalties for the violations thereof.
The first section of this bill would have put every Negro
lodge in the State of Iowa out of business and we would not
have the pleasure of meeting here today. This bill I have here
a copy of, that all who have not read it may do so. We owe
the defeat of this bill to our own Honorable George H.
Woodson and S. Joe Brown. Brother Woodson was the first
to notice the bill and what lay behind such a law and its
meaning to the Negro Masonic Lodges and others of Iowa.
He at once got busy by wire and mail to kill this bill before
the committee. He ordered his law partner, S. Joe Brown, to
go at once, with all that he could call to his aid before the
judiciary Committee, and there work for the death of this
infamous Harding Bill. Brother Brown, in obedience to
orders, left his business and called to his assistance Brother
R. N. Hyde of Des Moines and Reverend A. Ford of Cedar
Rapids. They went before the committee and never left them
until they had the promise of a majority to, vote, against the
bill and it was killed. These Brethren not being able to reach
me before the fight, went in and won, and reported it to me
at once and asked my approval. And all that I can say, my
dear Brethren, is that you have my approval a thousand
times in all honorable fights for the up building of our race,
and all I regret is that I did not get the word in time to help
with the fight.
A similar bill introduced in the Illinois Legislature about the same

time and applying, to unincorporated Societies was met by the
Illinois Negro Masons by incorporating their Grand Lodge under the
name of Prince Hall Grand Lodge F. & A. M. for Illinois and
jurisdiction.
He declared the provisions of the Code allowing the elective
officers of a subordinate lodge to resign to be "contrary to all
Masonic jurisprudence" and recommended they be repealed. The
jurisprudence Committee agreed with him, but whether they were in
166
fact repealed it is hard to say. It is true, however, that the same law
was retained in the Revision of 1913 and has been law in the
jurisdiction ever since,
He reported the successful organization of a Grand Chapter of the
0. E. S. in Iowa which had received recognition from all sister
jurisdictions.
He had been able through the assistance of Bro. E. T. Banks to
block the efforts of an imposter working to establish a "National
Compact" clandestine lodge in Des Moines. He decided the Grand
Master had no authority to prohibit a subordinate lodge from issuing
a demit to a member who was legally entitled to one.
The Grand Master, Grand Treasurer, Grand Secretary and Grand
Custodian were re-elected. Des Moines was chosen as the place for
holding the next Annual Communication.
TWENTY-TH1RD ANNUAL COMMUNICATION


In the absence of the Grand Custodian, Bro. W. P. Wade, the

Grand Master deputized Bro. J. H. Reynolds, Worshipful Master of
Doric Lodge No. 30 to conduct a School of Instruction on Monday
evening preceding the opening of the Grand Lodge. Bro. Reynolds
devoted most of the time to a rehearsal of the lectures. and as a
consequence "What Followed?" became the shibboleth by which the
meeting is best remembered.
In compliance with the Constitution the M. W. United Grand
Lodge of Iowa assembled in the Hall of North Star Lodge No. 2, in the
City of Des Moines on Tuesday, July 12, 1910, at 10:00 A. M. A
constitutional number of lodges being present, Grand Master, W. H.
Milligan opened the Grand Lodge in Ample Form, and appointed his
Committees.
For the first time since 1894, the complier of this history was
present in the Grand Lodge, being present as one of the
representatives of Maple Grove Lodge No. 16. In preparing the digest
thus far, he has depended almost wholly upon the more or less
incomplete records found in the printed proceedings, while it is true
several Historical Committees have been appointed from time to time
none have filed a report that has been printed, nor has- the writer
been able to obtain any copy of their work or any of the data
collected by them. Since this session, the writer has been in regular
attendance at every session of the Grand Lodge and has taken an
167
active part in its deliberations and can assure the reader that the
digests which shall follow will contain an accurate historical record
of the Grand Lodge.
At the afternoon session Grand Master Milligan read his Annual
Address. He had again visited all the lodges, and reported that the
general condition of the Craft was never better. He made two
important recommendations both of which were enacted into laws.
One was to change the time of the election of officers of subordinate
lodges from December to June. The other was to raise the amount of
the Endowment Benefit from $50.00 to $100.00 and the annual
assessment for the same from $1.00 to $2.00, payable quarterly,
beginning July 1st, and the Grand Secretary instructed to notify each
lodge within 30 days.
He reported having granted Doric Lodge No. 30, located at
Enterprise, permission to move to East Des Moines. This lodge was
organized by Grand Master I. L. Brown on Nov. 1, 1904, and
warranted by the Grand Lodge in 1906. At the time it was organized
Enterprise was a thriving little mining town of some 350 inhabitants
situated about 14 miles northeast of Des Moines. After the Grand
Lodge refused a warrant to Hiram U. D. in Des Moines and granted its
members demits a number of its members were permitted to place
their demits in Doric Lodge, and as some of its members had moved
to Des Moines permission was asked by the lodge to move into the
east side of the city where much better accommodations could be
secured. The Committee on jurisprudence made a careful
examination of the matter and found that the lodge and the Grand
Master had complied with every requirement of the law governing the
removal of lodges, gave its full approval to the action. North Star
Lodge voiced its opposition on the floor but the report of the
committee was adopted by a large majority. Thus was established
the second lodge in Des Moines which has grown and prospered and
is today the second largest lodge in the jurisdiction, while North Star
No. 2, has not suffered as it continues to lead in membership.
Among the social affairs enjoyed by visiting Masons was a
reception at the home of Brother John L. Thompson, a smoker at
Doric Lodge and a picnic at Union Park sponsored by the Ladies of
the 0. E. S.
elected. Brother W. J. Shepard was elected Grand Custodian,
An invitation Doric Lodge No. 30 in East Des Moines was accepted
as the place for holding the next Annual Communication.
No. lodges, 15; Cash on hand, General Fund, $103.68; Endowment
Fund, $237.00
TWENTY- FOURTH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION

168
Doric Lodge, East Des Moines, July 11, 12, 13, 1911

Pursuant to the order of the last Grand Communication and in

accordance with the provisions of the Constitution, the M. W. United
Grand Lodge of Iowa convened in the Hall of Doric Lodge No. 30 on
the East side of the City of Des Moines at 10 A. M. on Tuesday July
11, 1911.
A roll call of lodges showed a constitutional number of lodges
duly represented and the Grand Master opened the Grand Lodge in
Ample Form. He immediately appointed his committees and then
read his Annual Address. He had visited all the lodges and found the
Craft in good condition. Reported the death of Right Reverend Bro. E.
W. Lampton, Grand Master of Mississippi, and a Bishop of the A. M.
E. Church. Gave a brief outline of the origin of Negro Masonry in
America. Answered several questions that were fully covered in the
Code. Recommended that all candidates for the office of Grand
Custodian be required to take an examination in proficiency; that the
Treasurer and Secretary in Subordinate Lodges be required to give
bonds. He had been unable to reach a satisfactory adjustment of the
matter of territorial invasion of Iowa territory along the Mississippi
river by the Grand Lodge of Illinois. Declared the Endowment
Department in a healthy condition.
An amendment to the Constitution offered by Bro. C. B. Woods to
limit the tenure of the Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master and the
Grand Wardens to two consecutive terms was approved by the
Committee on jurisprudence but was defeated by the Grand Lodge,
and it has never at any time put a limit on the tenure of any of its
Grand Officers.
The Committee appointed to codify the laws passed by the Grand
Lodge since the adoption of the Code in 1905, reported some twenty
new laws and amendments, but no action was taken on the
Committee's recommendation to have them printed and pasted in
the Codes. If there was, I have been unable to find any record or
evidence that it was carried out.
The Committee on jurisprudence after two days struggle on the
floor of the Grand Lodge succeeded in having most of its report
adopted. Several amendments to the Endowment Department offered
by the Committee were ordered printed in the Proceedings and
action thereon deferred to the next Annual Session.
The Grand Master was asked this question; "A brother murdered,
can any part of the endowment due his beneficiary be held to
169
prosecute his murderer?" Answer, "No, not unless the beneficiary

signs it over for that purpose."
The Grand Lodge decided it was time to change some of the
officers and elected Bro. E. T. Banks, Grand Master and Bro. W. W.
Gross, Grand Secretary. The Grand Treasurer and Grand Custodian
were re-elected, Davenport was chosen as the place of holding the
next Annual Communication.
Membership, 461. Cash on hand, General Fund, $121.46; W. & 0.
Fund, $723.00
The ability and resource displayed by Doric Lodge in the
entertainment of this session of the Grand Lodge dispelled forever all
lingering doubts in the minds of any as to the wisdom of establishing
the second lodge in the City of Des Moines. It sprang at once to the
front rank as a progressive lodge and has furnished two Grand
Masters, Bro. E. T. Banks and Bro. S. Joe. Brown; and four Grand
Custodians; Bro. S. Joe Brown, Bro. C. C. Johnson, Bro. Albert Gater,
and Bro. Wm. Oney.
It took both intelligence and courage on the part of Grand Master
Milligan to take the step he did at that time, but he lived to see and
realize that no act of his during his six years as Grand Master has
proven more beneficial to the advancement of progressive Masonry in
Iowa. "Requietseat in pace."
TWENTY-FIFTH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION

Davenport, Iowa, July 9, 10, 11, 12, 1912
BRO. E. T. BANKS, Grand Master

Agreeable to the order of the last Annual Communication and in

accordance with the provisions of the Constitution, the M. W. United
Grand Lodge of Iowa convened in the Hall of Hiram Lodge No. 19, at
Davenport at 9 o'clock A. M. on Tuesday, July 9, 1912. A
constitutional number of lodges being represented, Grand Master
Banks opened the Grand Lodge in Ample Form, appointed his
Committees and read his Annual Address.
The explanation made by Bro. T. B. Stovall of Hiram Lodge in
regard to the mistake made by his lodge in arranging their program of
entertainment was accepted, and the Grand Lodge by resolution
decided to extend its sessions over Friday.
Grand Master Banks gave an encouraging report on the condition
of the Craft as gained through his visit to all but two of the lodges.
He did not approve of the customary festivities incidental to the
celebration of Saints John Days, and said so in no uncertain language.
170
In this connection he referred to the action of some three hundred

white Masons who on Dec. 27, 1910 at the suggestion of their Grand
Master registered a solemn vow to censure profanity again.
He recommended that the fee for the three degrees be reduced
from $20.00 to $15.00. This has been the price ever since.
Quite a number of amendments were offered by members and the
following were adopted:
To require a doctor's certificate of good health to accompany a
petition for membership. To reduce the C. C. F. C. to one member. To
require the Grand Secretary to keep on hand a supply of rituals, and
to obtain bids for printing the Proceedings and submit them to the
Grand Lodge, He was ordered to secure copies of the Proceedings of
all Annual Communications of the United Grand Lodge, of African
Grand Lodge and Hiram Grand Lodge, have them bound in suitable
volumes to be preserved in the archives of the Grand Lodge,
The Grand Master was authorized to appoint a Committee of
three members to make a complete revision of the Code and report
its work to the next Annual Session and one day (Friday) was added
to the session in which to consider and adopt the revised Code.
A proposition to authorize the Endowment Department to issue
to all members a policy or certificate of membership was rejected, as
was the one to change the time of the election of officers of
subordinate lodges.
A public reception at the A. M. E. Church, the Memorial Services
at the Baptist Church and the PubIic Installation at Armory Hall were
well attended by the citizens of Davenport and Rock Island.
Bro. John L. Thompson was elected Grand Master; Bro. W. H.
Milligan elected Grand Treasurer; Bro. W. W. Gross re-elected Grand
Secretary and Bro. A. G. Clark elected Grand Custodian. Keokuk was
selected as the place for holding the next Annual Communication.
This meeting was an inspiration to the members of Hiram Lodge
for they soon brought the lodge up to a high standard of efficiency
and have produced some of the best informed Masons in the
jurisdiction.
Membership 464, Cash on hand, General Fund, $120.94. W. & 0
Fund, $772.00
TWENTY-SIXTH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION

Keokuk, Iowa, July 8, 9, 10, 11, 1913
BRO. JOHN L. THOMPSON, Grand Master

171
Agreeable to the act of the last Annual Communication and the

provision of the Constitution, the members of the United Grand
Lodge of Iowa assembled in the Hall of Union Lodge No. 1, at Keokuk,
Iowa at 9:30 A, M. on Tuesday, July 8, 1913. A constitutional number
of lodges being duly represented, Grand Master John L. Thompson
opened the Grand Lodge in Ample, Form and appointed his
Committees.
Announcement being now made of the presence of Bro. R. T.
Coles, M. W. Grand Master of Masons for the State of Missouri, also
Bros. Geo. W. K. Love and W. W. Fields, Grand Secretaries of the
same Grand Jurisdiction, who desired to visit the Grand Lodge.
These distinguished guests were each received with honors
befitting their high Masonic station, and as a further mark of respect
to Grand Master Coles, Bros. J. H. Shepherd, I. L. Brown arid H.
Milligan, each a Past Grand Master, were appointed a committee to
escort Grand Master Coles into the Grand Lodge.
Grand Master Coles being introduced to the Grand Lodge, after
greeting the Grand Lodge of Iowa on behalf of the Grand Lodge of
Missouri delivered a helpful and inspiring address, remarks being
also made by the visiting Grand Secretaries.
On behalf of the Grand Lodge of Iowa, remarks were made by Past
Grand Master A. A. Bland and J. H. Shepherd, Bro. S. Joe Brown and
Bro. C. F. Davis.
The Grand Master then ordered the Junior Grand Warden to call
the Grand Lodge from labor until 2 o'clock of the afternoon.
At the afternoon session the Grand Master read his Annual
Address. He paid an eloquent tribute to Masonry in general and to
the noble Craftsmen who had successfully planted the institution in
the State of Iowa. He had visited all the lodges and gave a detailed
account of their condition as to members and finances. He proposed
some radical changes in the law which were endorsed and embodied
in the revised edition of the Code. The most important in its effect
was the one to limit to one vote each all elective Past Grand Officers.
It had been the law since the organization of the Grand Lodge to
allow elective Grand Officers one vote for each office to which he had
been elected, thus allowing some of the Past Grand Officers as high
as six votes. Another provided that the Committee on jurisprudence
should be composed of all Past Grand Masters present, the oldest of
which in point of service should be Chairman. Lodges were permitted
to observe Saints John Days on the Sunday preceding the date of said
days. Lodges were prohibited from receiving the petition for
membership of a person known to have been convicted of murder or
manslaughter. The Grand Lodge tried, convicted and expelled from
Masonry, Past Grand Treasurer, H. K. Hilton for wrongfully
appropriating Grand Lodge funds to his own use. The bonding
172
company paid the deficit. A graduated scale of payments of

endowment on account of new members extending over the first
three years of membership was adopted. A Grand Auditor to be
appointed by the Grand Master was authorized to take the place of
the Finance Committee; the office of C. C. F. C. was changed to Grand
Reviewer. The Office of Register was made the Assistant Grand
Secretary. The recommendation for a committee to prepare a history
of Negro Masonry in Iowa was not acted upon, although Bro. A. G.
Clark tendered his services at that time and offered to compile such a
history. The consensus of opinion was that the printed Proceedings
contained all the history necessary.
A pleasing social affair was the reception given the members at
Union Hall on Tuesday evening, at which a delightful program of
music, recitations and addresses was enjoyed by all. Another
interesting feature of the meeting was a visit to the Hydro-electric
Plant and dam across the Mississippi River that had recently been
completed and opened to visitors.
The last day of the session was devoted to consideration of the
revised Code which was adopted, ordered printed and distributed to
the lodges.
The Grand Master, Grand Secretary and Grand Custodian were re-
elected, Bro. M. 0. Culbertson was elected Grand Treasurer. Buxton
was chosen as the place for holding the next Grand Session.
Membership 473. Cash on hand, General Fund $57.82. W. 0 Fund,
$541.72.
TWENTY-SEVENTH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION

Buxton, Iowa, July 14,15,16, 1914

W. W. GROSS, Grand Secretary
In conformity with the Constitution and the resolution adopted at

the last Annual Communication, the members of the United Grand
Lodge of Iowa assembled in the Auditorium of the Y.M.C.A. Building,
in Buxton, Iowa at 10:30 A. M, Tuesday, July 14, 1914.
A constitutional number of lodges being represented the Grand
Master opened the Grand Lodge in Ample Form, and appointed
Committees.
At this time Grand Master Thompson took occasion to present to
the members, the Past Grand Masters who were present in the
persons of Bro. A, A. Bland, Bro. John D. Reeler, Bro. W. H. Milligan
and Bro. E. T. Banks. Each spoke briefly in high praise of the
Organization and gave hearty encouragement to the new members,
173
and were responded to on behalf of the Grand Lodge by Bo. A. G.

Clark, Grand Custodian.
At the afternoon session a communication was received and
ordered spread upon the minutes from Frederick H. Townsend,
Secretary of the Y.M.C.A. extending to the members of the Grand
Lodge all the privileges, conveniences and accommodations of the
Y.M.C.A. building and grounds.
The Grand Master then called upon the Deputy Grand Master,
Bro. H. E. Williams to preside, who in turn presented the Grand
Master who then read his Annual Address. This was the first time
this procedure had occurred in the Iowa jurisdiction and has been
generally followed ever since. The address covered in detail his years
work and contained several recommendations for the improvement
of the Craft. He reported the serious mental condition of the Junior
Grand Warden, Bro. F. C. Davis, and had appointed Bro. L. D. Lowery
to serve out the term. He reported two new lodges, one at Clarinda
which was warranted as Keystone No. 33, and one at Mason City,
warranted Perfect Ashler No. 34, of which Past Grand Master, Bro.
John D. Reeler had been appointed Worshipful Master. In company
with Bro. S. Joe Brown, Senior Grand Warden, he visited the Grand
Lodge of Missouri in its 47th Annual Session at St. Joe, Missouri, and
was present at the laying of the corner stone of the $100,000.00,
Y.M.C.A. building in Kansas City. He recommended that the Grand
Lodge acquire property and a committee appointed to investigate the
subject. He had successfully defended the Grand Lodge in a suit
brought against it by the beneficiary of a deceased member of Rescue
Lodge No. 25 at Omaha.
A Medical Examiner's Certificate, arranged by a committee of three
doctors was adopted.
The Grand Custodian was granted an opportunity to exemplify
certain parts of the Ritual over which disputes had arisen.
The Grand Secretary asked for and received definite instructions
as to the collection and payment of the W. & 0. Funds dues by
subordinate lodges.
The usual Memorial Services were held at Mt. Zion Baptist Church
and a reception tendered the members at St. John's A.M.E. Church.
An interesting feature of the reception was the address of welcome
by Hon. John P. Reese, Superintendent of the Consolidation Coal
Company, which owned the town of Buxton. The town was not
incorporated and Mr. Reese as Superintendent of the Coal Company
was its Chief Executive.
The Grand Auditor, upon the recommendation of the Grand
Secretary, ordered that $100.00 be taken from the Relief Fund and
placed in the General Fund to cover the expenses of operating the
Relief Department.
174

Custodian were re-elected, the last three without opposition. Cedar
Rapids was chosen as the place for holding the next Annual
Communication.
Following the election the Grand Lodge was formed in line by the
Grand Marshall and led by the Buxton Band and escorted by King
Solomon Commandery of Des Moines, moved over the route
designated by the local committee to the Hall of Cedar Grove Lodge,
where it disbanded. It had been the custom since its organization for
the Grand Lodge to make a parade through the business section of
the cities in which it met, but the custom was becoming obsolete
and was omitted at Keokuk in 1913, and the parade at Buxton was the
last. It seems to have been merely a custom for which there may have
been good reasons in the early days, but it does not appear to ever
have been sanctioned by rule, law or regulation, nor was it abolished
by recommendation or legislation.
Membership 510. Cash on hand, General Fund, $70.80; W. & 0.,
$1,422.90.
TWENTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION

Cedar Rapids, Iowa, July 13, 14, 15, 1915

On Monday afternoon July 12, as provided in the Code, a school of

Instruction was held under the auspices of the Grand Lodge and the
particular direction of the Grand Custodian. The second and third
degrees were conferred by a special degree team selected by the
Custodian. A highly interesting and instructive feature of the work
was an exemplification of the Middle Chamber section of the second
degree by Bro. John E. Bradford, of Hiram Lodge No. 19, acting as
Senior Deacon. As a compliment to his ability and Masonic zeal the
Grand Lodge elected him Senior Grand Warden.
Conformable to the Constitution and in obedience with the action
of the last Annual Communication, the officers and members, of the
United Grand Lodge of Iowa, assembled in Odd Fellows Hall in Cedar
Rapids at 9:30 A. M. on Tuesday July 11, 1915, the guests of Mt. Olive
Lodge No. 17.
The R. W. Bro. Henry E. Williams, Deputy Grand Master, opened
Lodge in Due Form on the Third Degree. The Grand Master was then
admitted, received with honors and escorted to the Grand East. This
was an innovation introduced at the opening of the Grand lodge that
has not met with favor among Br. Thompson's successors, and has
never been repeated.
175
At the afternoon session, the Deputy Grand Master presiding, the

Grand Master presented and read his Annual Address. One cannot
read the address without being impressed with the lofty ideals of the
Grand Master and humane sentiment expressed in his reference to
the Great War then raging in Europe. His recommendation to create a
Burial Fund in connection with Endowment Department met with
considerable opposition at first, but was finally enacted into Law,
and has since come to be regarded as the most important feature of
the Department. The Grand Lodge disapproved his recommendation
to exempt the members of U. D. Lodges from paying G. L. Dues. He
came near waiving the "bloody shirt," when he offered the following:
"I would recommend that the age of our Iowa Grand Lodge be
changed to its correct Communication, namely from the 28th Annual
Communication to the 33rd for our Annual Minutes show that Iowa
had a Grand Lodge since 1881, and some of you men here today and
some of your lodges here were members of the Grand Lodge at that
time. I think that the error or confusion came when the two Grand
Lodges became united and not from the time when we first became a
Grand Lodge." We have quoted the exact language of the
recommendation, because it really contradicts itself. There was
neither "error or confusion" on the part of the convention that
organized the United Grand Lodge and it was correctly dated from
the time WE became a Grand Lodge, The question of perpetuating
African Grand Lodge (the first Iowa Grand Lodge) to which the Grand
Master refers, had been the bone of contention between Grand
Master Bland and Grand Master Clark for two years and was brought
into the Convention by Bro. Bland and was defeated by the adoption
of a substitute resolution by Bro. A. J. Harris of Hiram Grand Lodge.
After the election of Bro. Geo. H. Cleggett to be Grand Master of the
United Grand Lodge, the record then says: M. W. G. H. Cleggett, G. M.
of the former A. G. L., and Alexander Clark, G. M. of the former H. G.
L., surrendered their gavels to the M. W. United Grand Lodge A. F. &
A. M. for the State of Iowa and its Masonic jurisdiction, and the same
were acknowledged by M. W. G. M. Geo. H. Cleggett in the name of
the M. W. United Grand Lodge of Iowa."
"The former African G. L. and the former Hiram G. L. having called on
and finished up their business during the adjournment of the
convention, were announced closed sine die, and are numbered with
things that were. There does not appear to have been either "error or
confusion" when this record was made. It was read on the floor of
the Grand Lodge after the Committee on Jurisprudence had reported
in favor of the adoption of the recommendation and it went to its
defeat by a large majority. It is with no small degree of reluctance
that we record this incident in this history, as its principal
proponents, Grand Master Thompson and Past Grand Masters
176
Shepard, Reeler and Milligan, who composed the Committee on

Jurisprudence, have all since "crossed the Bar." But it is history and
was at that time vital to the peace and harmony of the organization.
It had never been proposed before and has never been since.
The Burial Fund as adopted provided for the payment of $75.00 to
be used for burial purposes only, and was to take effect October 1,
1915.
The Grand Master was upheld in his ruling that a subordinate
lodge could refuse to accept a visit from the Grand Custodian, in his
official capacity, even if the visit was to be made without cost to the
lodges.
One new lodge had been organized at Waterloo, and was
warranted as St. Johns Lodge No. 35. He laid the corner stone of the
Tabernacle Baptist Church at Council Bluffs.
The Committee appointed at the last session to canvas and
investigate the proposition of purchasing real estate by the Grand
Lodge, reported it as being impracticable at the present time.
The Grand Secretary reported that he had succeeded in securing a
complete file of the Proceedings of the three Iowa Grand Lodges; also
that Bro. Orange Fields, of Union Lodge No. 1, had presented to the
Grand Lodge copies of the proceedings of the Grand Lodge of
Missouri, from 1871 to 1879, inclusive. In making the report he said:
"Early Iowa Masonry being so interwoven with the Grand Lodge of
Missouri, (since, until 1881 and 1884, lodges in Iowa worked by
authority of the Grand Lodge of Missouri) our history cannot be full
and complete without a part of the history of that Grand Lodge be
included." The Grand Lodge tendered Bro. Fields a vote of thanks for
his gift. The Grand Secretary was authorized to purchase a typewriter
for the office. A committee consisting of Past Grand Masters J. H.
Shepard, W. H. Milligan and John D. Reeler was appointed to prepare
a history of Negro Masonry in Iowa. The Constitution was amended
to provide for a vote by ballot instead of a vote by lodges in selecting
the place for holding Grand Lodge.
Among the interesting and enjoyable features was a reception on
Tuesday evening and visits to the Masonic Library, the Consistory
Building, and St. Paul's M. E. Church.
The Grand Master, Grand Treasurer and Grand Secretary were
re-elected. Bro. S. Joe Brown was elected Grand Custodian.
Ottumwa was chosen as the place for holding the next Annual
Communication.
Membership 572. Cash on hand, General Fund, $137.10; W. & 0.
Fund, $1,640.20.
TWENTY-NINTH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION

Ottumwa, July 11, 12,13, 1916
177

On Monday July 10, in conformity with section 23 of the Code,

School of Instruction was held in the lodge room, of Golden Star
Lodge, beginning at 9 A. M. and continued through the afternoon and
evening and was in charge of the Grand Custodian, Bro. S. Joe Brown,
A full report of the school is given in the Custodian's Annual Report
and is printed in the 1916 Proceeding. The Custodian in his year's
work had held District Schools of Instruction as provided for in the
Code.
Agreeable to the provisions of the Constitution and the action of
the last Annual Communication, the officers and members of the
United Grand Lodge of Iowa assembled in the Hall of Golden Star
Lodge No. 4, in the City of Ottumwa, at 9:45 A. M. on Tuesday, July
11, 1916. A constitutional number of lodges being represented the
Grand Master opened the Grand Lodge in Ample Form and appointed
his Committees. The remainder of the morning session was devoted
to receiving and extending felicitations to the seven Past Grand
Masters who were present. The Grand Master called attention to the
unique and pleasing circumstance in that all save one, (Bro. James
Washington) of the surviving Past Grand Masters of Iowa were in
attendance, and presented each to the Grand Lodge, ordered the
Grand Honors given and invited each to address the Grand Lodge.
The 1916 Proceedings contains a group picture of these illustrious
Craftsmen and in referring to it the Grand Secretary gives the
following brief sketch:
This feature is added with the hope that it will prove attractive to
all our members and in such a manner that they will become
interested and at the same time better acquainted with the Masons
who have been rewarded with the highest honor the fraternity can
confer, some of whom really helped blaze a Masonic trail in these
parts, Masons who gave abundantly of their time, talents and means
to further the cause we all love, Masons who attempted and
accomplish much.
Since the formation of the first Grand Lodge of Iowa in 1881,
fifteen different Masons have been elected to the office of Grand
Master; of these, Page, Hilyard, Clark, Gilliam and Cleggett have
"crossed the bar." Washington, while still living, having demitted, is
not now a member of this jurisdiction. In the illustration, reading
right to left, are Bros. Brooks, Shepard, Bland, Reeler, I. L. Brown,
Milligan, Banks, Thompson.
Bro. Brooks is the senior Past Grand Master and was the second
Grand Master elected by the African Grand Lodge of Iowa, the year
178
being 1882. He was raised in Sumner Lodge, No. 41, Burlington, under
G. L. of Mo., 1875.
Bro. Shepard was elected Grand Master in 1883, but perhaps is
better known outside the jurisdiction on account of his service as C.
C. F. C., an office he filled capably and well for many years. He was
raised in North Star Lodge No. 31, Des Moines, under G. L. of Mo.,
1879.
Bro. Bland is the Senior Past Grand Master with regard to the
length of time a Mason. He was the first Grand Secretary of the
African Grand Lodge and its fourth Grand Master. He was also
chosen Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge in 1895-96. He was
made a Mason in Lincoln Lodge, Cairo, Ill., under G. L. of Ohio, April,
1866.
Bro. Reeler is sometimes dubbed "The Boy Grand Master," for
reason that he was, perhaps, the youngest Mason to be elected to
the Grand East of Iowa. He was made a Mason in North Star Lodge
No. 2, Des Moines under African Grand Lodge of Iowa, His election to
the office of Grand Master took place in 1892.
Bro. I. L. Brown was elected 1898 and has more re-elections to his
credit than any other Past Grand Master (six). He was raised in
Eureka Lodge, No. 21, Marshalltown, 1892.
Bro. Milligan had no opposition in 1905, when he was first elected
Grand Master; this is the first instance in the history of the Grand
Lodge of Iowa of a Mason being the unanimous choice of the
brethren when first chosen, He served, consecutively, six years.
Bro. Banks was made a Mason in Alabama and came to North Star
Lodge No. 2, Des Moines in 1888, demitted to Doric Lodge No. 30,
Des Moines, 1909 and was elected Grand Master in 1911.
Bro. Thompson was raised in North Star Lodge No. 2, Des Moines
in 1900, was elected Grand Master in 1912 and served four years.
PROCEEDINGS OF PAST GRAND MASTER'S

COUNCIL
Ottumwa, Iowa, July 13th, 1916.

All living Past Grand Masters, with the exception of Past Grand
Master James Washington, who is out of the State, were called and
assembled in conference on the above date with the following
present: Bros. A. A. Bland, Jno. L. Brooks, J. H. Shepard, J. D. Reeler,
I. L. Brown, W. H. Milligan, E. T. Banks, J. L. Thompson.
Bro. Bland called the meeting to order and stated the needs and
object of having a Past Grand Masters' Council organized, and upon
motion, Bro. A. A. Bland was elected chairman, and Bro. Jno. D.
Reeler, secretary of the temporary organization, and after a lengthy
discussion, motion prevailed that a committee of three be appointed
179
to draft Rules and Regulations for the government of a permanent

organization, Bro. Bland appointed the following committee: Bro. H.
Shepard, Bro. E. T. Banks and Bro. Jno. L. Thompson, said committee
to report at the next annual Grand Lodge session.
It was suggested to this committee that they name this
organization, The Imperial Council of Past Grand Masters of Iowa.
Upon motion the secretary was instructed to record the address of
the brothers.
Bro. A. A. Bland, 1017 Main St., Keokuk, Ia.

Bro. Jno. L. Brooks, 809 So. Gertrude St., Burlington, Ia. Bro.
J. H. Shepard, 1421 Crocker St., Des Moines, Ia.
Bro. J. D. Reeler, 1631 No. Quincy Ave., Mason City, Ia. Bro. I.
L. Brown, 712 Bromley St., Marshalltown, Ia.
Bro. W. H. Milligan, Route 2, Cedar Rapids, Ia.
Bro. E. T. Banks, 1046 Enos Ave., Des Moines, Ia.
Bro. J. L. Thompson, Bystander, Des Moines, Ia.
The Council then adjourned to meet the third day of the next
Grand Lodge Session.
JOHN D. REELER, Secretary.
All have since "Crossed the Bar" except Bro. I. L. Brown.

At the afternoon session, the Deputy Grand Master, Bro. L. D.
Lowery, presiding, the Grand Master presented and read his Annual
Address. He had granted a dispensation for a U. D. Lodge in Fort
Dodge which was warranted as Western Star Lodge No. 36 Had
arrested the warrant of Sumner Lodge No. 3, at Burlington, and
suspended the members for N. P. D., but after further consultation
with members, had returned the warrant. But little new legislation
was offered for consideration.
The resolution by Bro. Geo. H. Woodson to purchase and present
an apron to each of the Past Grand Masters present, was adopted
and a committee appointed for that purpose.
It was also provided that on the death of a Past Grand Master,
each subordinate lodge should be notified by wire.
The Grand Secretary disclosed a few weak points in the Burial
Fund Department and the same was referred to a special committee,
whose report was ordered printed in the proceedings and referred to
the next Grand Session for final consideration.
Bro. J. H. Shepard, on behalf of the Historical Committee gave
good and sufficient reason for not having a report ready and asked for
an extension of time to the next Annual Communication which was
granted. Bro. Shepard was well qualified for the work he had
undertaken and had his life been spared to complete it, would have
180
given to the Masons of Iowa a complete and reliable history of the

Craft in the state. On account of ill health he was unable to attend
the next Annual Session and passed away on March 3, 1918. The
other members never took up the work, hence, no report has ever
been made to the Grand Lodge.
A change of officers seems to have been desirable, and Bro. S. Joe
Brown was elected Grand Master, Bro. John D. Reeler elected Grand
Treasurer, which office he held continuously for fourteen years to the
date of his death. W. W. Gross, re-elected Grand Secretary and Bro. A.
G. Clark, Grand Custodian.
Davenport was selected as the place for holding the next Annual
Communication.
Membership 605. Cash on hand, General Fund, $247.00, W. & O.,
$1,861.48. Burial Fund, $29.75.
THIRTIETH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION

Davenport, July 9, 10, 11, 12, 1917
BRO. S. JOE BROWN, Grand Master

In accordance with section 2.1 of the Code, a Grand Lodge School of

Instruction in charge of the Grand Custodian, was held in the Hall of
Hiram Lodge No. 19, on Monday July 9, 1917, beginning at 9 A. M. and
continuing through the afternoon and evening.
Davenport, Iowa, July 10, 1917.

Hall of the Grand Lodge.
Conformable to Constitution, Art. IV, Sec. 1, and the act

of the Grand Lodge at its last Annual Communication, the
representatives of the several lodges of the jurisdiction and
the permanent members of the M. W. United Grand Lodge
for the State of Iowa and its jurisdiction assembled in the
apartments provided by Hiram Lodge No. 19, and at 9:30
o'clock in the forenoon of this date was called to order by
the R. W. Deputy Grand Master M. 0. Culbertson (21) and
with Past Grand Master T. L. Brown presiding, a Lodge of
Master Masons was opened in due form.
Bro. J. B. Lucas (18) was called upon to invoke Divine Blessing.

The Deputy Grand Master then proceeded and opened the Grand
Lodge in Ample Form.
181
This is the Secretary's record as printed in the 1917 Proceedings.

In the roll call of officers he has M. 0. Culbertson (21) M. W. Grand
Master, and I. L. Brown (20) Deputy Grand Master.
This record was the cause of much comment and criticism in the
Masonic world at the time and not without cause. It didn't all
happen that way.
This was the first time in the history of the Grand Lodge that the
Grand Master was not present to open the Grand Lodge and preside
therein. Grand Master S. Joe Brown had informed his Deputy that it
was doubtful if he would be able to be present at the meeting and it
was generally known among the members. But he was not dead and
there was no vacancy in the office of Grand Master, and under the
law the Deputy Grand Master succeeded to the duties of Grand
Master and not the Senior Grand Warden What really occurred was
that Bro. M. 0. Culbertson, the Deputy Grand Master, opened the
Grand Lodge in due form, and then called upon Past Grand Master I.
L. Brown, who had had seven years experience in the Grand East, to
preside during the business sessions of the Annual Communication.
The Grand Master had prepared and sent to the Grand Lodge his
Annual Address and it was presented and read by the Grand
Secretary, Bro. W. W. Gross. It was the most complete in detail of any
report ever made by a Grand Master to the Grand Lodge as no single
act of the Grand Master in connection with the duties of his office
was overlooked. He told in an interesting way the causes for his
absence. He was located at the time in "Quarters of Co. 13, 17th U. S.
Provisional Training Regiment at Fort Des Moines" in company with
some twelve hundred and fifty other Negro Cadets who were taking
officers' training for service in the World's War. It was absolutely
necessary that he be there every day and work from 5:30 A. M. till
9:45 P. M. except on Saturday afternoon and Sunday, hence, his
request for leave of absence had been denied. Prior to his enlistment
he had busily engaged in caring for the demands of his office, as his
list of official acts discloses. He gave an interesting account of the
meeting of the Inter-National Conference of Grand Masters and Grand
Secretaries held in Chicago during the week of August 21-25, 1916, of
which P. C. M. John L. Thompson was President, It had voiced a
unanimous sentiment in favor of a uniform ritual among Negro
Masons, and recommended the adoption of what was called the Ohio
Ritual. 'The Grand Master recommended the adoption of this ritual
by the United Grand Lodge but the question was postponed till the
next Grand Session. His recommendations to create the offices of
Grand Attorney and Grand Medical Examiner, and for articles of
Incorporation were each rejected as impractical and unnecessary.
He issued dispensations for two new lodges, one at Grand Island,
Neb., which was warranted Boaz Lodge No. 37, and one at Hastings,
182
Neb., warranted, Marvin Lodge No. 18. A part of his

recommendations affecting the Relief and Burial Departments were
enacted, into law. He had arrested the warrant of Sumner Lodge No.
3, at Burlington, which was approved and the warrant revoked by the
Grand Lodge.
The following action was taken by the Grand Lodge:
All brothers in good and regular standing in their lodge

who enter the Military Service of the Government during the
present war, shall be exempted from all Subordinate Lodge
and Grand Lodge dues during their term of service, and his
or their names shall appear upon all reports and be marked,
"Military Service.
The Burial Fund payment was reduced from $75.00 to $50.00.

Bro. W. W. Gross, who had served six years as Grand Secretary
was unanimously selected Grand Master; Bro. John L. Reeler re-
elected Grand Treasurer; Bro. Harry W. Rose elected Grand Secretary,
and Bro. C. C. Johnson elected Grand Custodian. Council Bluffs was
selected as the place for holding the next Annual Session,
Membership 630. Cash on hand, General Fund $267.88, Relief Fund,
$1,881.33; Burial Fund, $201.75.
THIRTY-FIRST ANNUAL COMMUNICATION

Council Bluffs, Iowa, July 9,10,11, 1918
BRO. W. W. GROSS, Grand Master

BRO. HARRY W. ROSE, Grand Secretary
On Monday July 8, 1918, as provided for in Section 23, of the

Revised Code, a Grand Lodge School of Instruction was held in the
Hall of Twin City Lodge No. 32, and was under the direction and
supervision of the Grand Custodian, Bro. C. C. Johnson.
The Grand Custodian announced that he had issued Certificates of
Proficiency, as provided by Law to the following: Bro. Wm. Walker,
North Star Lodge No. 2; Bro. A. C. Clark, Maple Grove Lodge No. 16;
Bro. A. C. Wolder, Eureka Lodge No. 20; Bro. Wm. Headley, Keystone
Lodge No. 33; Bro. R. S. Taylor, Hiram Lodge No. 19; Bro. Harry W.
Rose, Dubuque Lodge No. 29.
In conformity with provisions of the Constitution and act of the
last Annual Communication the officers and members of M. W.
United Grand Lodge of Iowa assembled in the Hall of Twin City Lodge
No. 32, in the City of Council Bluffs, Iowa, at 10 A. M. on Tuesday,
July 9, 1918. Grand Master, W. W. Gross, having ascertained a
183
constitutional number of lodges were duly represented, opened the

Grand Lodge in Ample Form and appointed his committees.
With the Deputy Grand M2ister, Bro. J. E. Bradford presiding, the
Grand Master presented and read his Annual Address. It was a clear,
comprehensive presentation of the several vexed and delicate
questions which had arisen for solution, and asked approval of the
Grand Lodge in his efforts to uphold the law and the dignity of the
Organization.
He was eloquent in his review of the Great War and reviewed the
part Negro Masons had taken in all the American Conflicts. He
stressed the cooperation of Masons in all phases of war work as
traditional of the Fraternity and indicative of good citizenship. He
discussed the advisability of the Grand Lodge purchasing Liberty
Bonds and it ordered the purchase of $480.00 in War Saving Stamps,
We believe the full official record in regard to Boaz Lodge No. 37,
at Grand Island, Nebraska should be preserved, hence, we reproduce
it as reported by the Grand Master:
Soon after the last Annual Session of this Grand Lodge, in

a communication I received from Most Worshipful W. W.
Fields, Grand Master of Masons in Missouri, it was pointed
out, that the lodge located at Grand Island, Nebraska, St.
Johns No. 31, Missouri registry, now Boaz No. 37, Iowa
registry, was under discipline by the Grand Lodge of
Missouri at the time authority was granted it to work under
the Grand Lodge of Iowa. A subsequent communication
contained the request that I recall the warrant issued by the
Grand Lodge of Iowa.
Now, the principle that Grand Lodges shall institute and
complete discipline on its subordinates, is well understood,
and never questioned. Nor are its internal problems a
subject for review by another Grand Jurisdiction. In a word,
there is no court, save that of ethics sitting in its own
conscience, to which a Grand Lodge may be summoned to
give an account of its claims, particularly respecting its
domestic affairs. Thus, while the succinct statement of
Grand Master Fields--before quoted--is all that has been
vouchsafed, and which is, indeed, sufficient, was accepted
without question, I did require Boaz Lodge to make answer
to the complaint. This was to dissipate all notions of harsh
measures and arbitrary authority, and which I believed more
closely akin to the spirit of fair play. The answer was of such
as to cause me to be of the opinion that the complaint was
founded in fact.
184
I did not recall the warrant. There is no suggestion, so far as

I have been able to discover, that power is vested in Grand
Masters to recall or revoke a lodge's warrant. But there is
much to prove that authoritative decision in a matter of this
kind is reserved to the highest Masonic tribunal--the Grand
Lodge. It will be remembered, that Grand Masters cannot
grant warrants, that being a function of Grand Lodges
exclusively, and it is a maxim of the law that the same
means are necessary to dissolve, as to create, an obligation.
I did, however, issue an order under date of January 15th
last, suspending the labor of Boaz Lodge until the next
Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Iowa. I
deemed this action imperatively necessary, alike in justice to
a Sister Grand Lodge and in the interest of the regularity of
Iowa Masonry, and I might also add: in view of the basic
element of government at stake viz. respect and submission
to the constituted authority, which and every other Grand
Lodge has no mere casual interest in seeing observed, for it
would be paradoxical to deny the Grand Lodge the right to
command and still retain in discipline.
In reporting this act, you are not only asked to approve
the same, but I submit the following recommendation which
I venture to hope will receive affirmative action.
Recommendation: Third--that the warrant of Boaz Lodge
be revoked and all money by said Boaz Lodge paid to the
Grand Lodge of Iowa, except the dispensation fee, be
refunded, and that those only who were not members of St.
Johns Lodge No. 31 (Missouri registry) be eligible for demits
from the Grand Lodge of Iowa,
This plan, sweeping though it be, seems the most
wholesome solution of the problem, evincing, as it will, our
purpose adhere to universal principles of law and custom
common to all minds, and which are essential to the orderly
achievement of just aims.
He then said under Fraternal Relations:
I have to report a rupture in the fraternal intercourse
between the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Missouri and
this Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, through the inability of
Grand Master W. W. Fields and I to find common ground to
reach an adjustment of the complaint growing out of the
matter of the lodge at Grand Island, Nebraska, which has
already been treated in this report under the caption: "Boaz
Lodge."
I have stated that an order was issued on January 15th
last suspending the labor of Boaz Lodge. Having become
185
convinced that it was expedient and right to take that

course, as a preliminary step to the correction of what
appeared to me an error, and as an evidence of good faith on
my part. For, on my responsibility as Grand Master, I had
given the Grand Master assurances that I would use all
endeavor to have the Grand Lodge of Iowa revoke the
warrant granted Boaz Lodge at its next Annual
Communication. To encompass that end earlier, I had, it is
true, the alternative of convening this Grand Lodge in Special
Communication, but I could not bring myself to believe that
the exigency of the situation warranted that extraordinary
circumstance. The Grand Master of Missouri was promptly
advised of my action in suspending the labor of Boaz Lodge
and his answer was a copy of his proclamation severing
fraternal relations.
Now, I regret that this incident must reach the point of
an estrangement of the two jurisdictions, with the inevitable
unhappy situations, but it may be of interest to this Grand
Body to know that all that is written under "Boaz Lodge"
was written prior to the receipt of the notice of the break.
That sets forth clearly what was your Grand Master's
attitude then, and which has suffered no variation to the
present. All correspondence in the matter is hereto
appended for the further enlightenment of those who desire
it.
On Sunday, Dec. 2, 1917, he convened the Grand Lodge in an

Emergent Communication and laid the corner stone of St. Paul, A. M.
E. Church, Des Moines, according to the ancient usage and custom of
the Fraternity.
On Feb. 21, 1918, he issued a dispensation to a new lodge at
Muscatine which was warranted as Pearl City Lodge No. 39. Asked for
and was granted authority in case of extreme emergency, to annul or
change the date for the Annual Communication. He held that a comer
stone may be laid with Masonic ceremonies when placed at some
comer of the structure other than the N. E. In construing "The Act to
Create a Burial Fund," he held that lodges, in any sum agreed upon,
may add to the amount allowed by the Grand Lodge. He convened
the Grand Lodge in an Emergency Communication at Des Moines on
March 5, 1918, and conducted the Masonic Funeral Service, over the
remains of Past Grand Master Joseph H. Shepard, and again on April
8, 1918 at Keokuk, for the funeral of Past Deputy Grand Master,
Orange Fields.
By resolution offered by Past Grand Master, S. Joe Brown, the
beneficiaries of members who died in Military Service were
186
prohibited from receiving benefits from the Burial Department of the

Grand Lodge. The word "children" as used in the Relief Department
Law was construed to include legally adopted children.
Des Moines was chosen as the place for holding the next Annual
Communication.
Custodian were re-elected by unanimous vote of the Grand Lodge.
Membership 718. Cash on hand, General Fund $255.27; Relief Fund;
$1,877.08; Burial Fund, $143.00.
The Grand Secretary reported 20 members enrolled in Military
Service.
THIRTY-SECOND ANNUAL COMMUNICATION

Des Moines, Iowa, July 7, 8, 9,10, 1919

BRO. HARRY W. ROSE, Grand Secretary
On Monday July 7, 1919, as provided in Section 2.1 of the Code, a

Grand Lodge School of Instruction was held under the supervision of
the Grand Custodian, Bro. C. C. Johnson, beginning at 9: 10 A. M. and
continuing during the afternoon and evening. Instruction in the first,
second and third ranks was followed by work in the third.
Agreeable to the Constitution and the act of the last Grand Lodge,
the officers and members of the M. W. United Grand Lodge of Iowa
convened in the War Camp Community Service Hall in the City of Des
Moines, the guest of North Star No. 2 and Doric No. 30, on Tuesday,
July 8, 1919, at 9:45 A. M., and was called to order by Grand Master
W. W. Gross, who proceeded and opened the Grand Lodge in Ample
Form. Following the usual preliminaries the Grand Master
relinquished the gavel to Deputy Grand Master, John E. Bradford and
then presented and read his Annual Address. It was instructive,
pertinent and good. He reported that Grand Master W. W. Fields of
Missouri had been appeased when notified of action of the Grand
Lodge in revoking the warrant of Boaz Lodge and had promptly
withdrawn his edict severing fraternal relations with the United
Grand Lodge. He issued a dispensation to a new lodge at Grand
Island, Neb., which received a warrant as True American Lodge No.
40. On Aug. 3, 1918, he deputized the Grand Custodian, Bro. C. C.
Johnson to lay the corner stone of the Maple Street Baptist Church in
Des Moines; and on July 6, 1919 laid the corner stone of Kyles A. M.
E. Zion Church in Des Moines. His recommendation to renumber the
subordinate lodges from No. 4 consecutively to the highest number
was rejected. His recommendation to place the Deputy Grand Master
on the pay roll of Grand Lodge officers was approved.
187
Five hundred copies of the Lodge of Sorrow Service arranged by

Grand Master Cross were presented to the Grand Lodge by P. G. M.,
S. Joe Brown on behalf of North Star Lodge No. 2 and Doric Lodge No.
30. This service has been in use ever since.
The Grand Lodge appropriated $25.00 to the Frederick Danglass
Home at Anacosta, D. C.
The query, "Has the Grand Custodian, by virtue of his office,
authority to open a lodge of Master Masons and confer degrees,
presented by Bro. J. A. Wilson (30) was referred to a special
committee consisting of Brothers S. Joe Brown, Geo. L. Suter and A,
G. Clark. The Committee made the following report: "We find that our
Revised Code invests the power to open lodges for the purpose of
conferring degrees of Masonry on only four officers, viz. the Grand
Master, the Worshipful Master and the two Wardens of subordinate
lodges; and that no such authority is invested in any other officers."
The Grand Secretary reported that 50 members were enrolled in
Military Service and that two had died while in the service: Bro.
Wilber C. Johnson, Maple Grove Lodge No. 16 and Solomon Williams,
Dubuque Lodge No. 29. The Burial claims in both case were allowed.
All officers except the Senior Grand Warden were reelected by
unanimous vote. Keokuk was selected as the place to hold the next
Membership 781. Cash on hand, General Find, $362.03; Relief'
Fund, $1,488.72; Burial Fund deficit $3.25.
THIRTY-THIRD ANNUAL COMMUNICATION

Keokuk, Iowa, July 12,13,14,15, 1920

BRO. WM. H. BAILEY, Grand Secretary
As provided in Section 21 of the Code, a Grand Lodge School of

Instruction under the direction of the Grand Custodian, Bro. C. C.
Johnson, was conducted in the Hall of Union Lodge No. 1, beginning
at 9:30 A. M. and extending through the afternoon and evening. Work
in the First, Second and Third Ranks was exemplified by degree teams
selected by the Grand Custodian and was commended for its high
character and efficiency.
In accordance with the provisions of the Constitution and the act
of the last Grand Lodge, the officers and members of the M. W.
United Grand Lodge of Iowa assembled in the Hall of Union Lodge,
No. 1, in the city of Keokuk on Tuesday, July 13, 1920 at 9:30 A, M.
and there being a constitutional number of lodges represented, the
Grand Master W. W. Gross opened the Grand Lodge in Ample Form.
188
With the Deputy Grand Master, Bro. Geo. L. Suter presiding, the
Grand Master was presented and read his Annual Address. It is a
carefully prepared, interesting instructive document. He had visited
all the lodges and was much gratified with conditions as he found
them. He reported the organization of a Grand Lodge for the State of
Nebraska, had visited it in its first Grand Communication and
assisted in its preliminary work; was satisfied of its regularity and
asked that it be recognized as a Sovereign Grand Lodge. This was
done in a formal resolution adopted by the Grand Lodge. He revived
Sumner Lodge No. 3 at Burlington under its old warrant. Had issued a
dispensation to a new lodge in Washington which was warranted
Rough Ashler Lodge No. 41.
He had received information from Bro. Edward Askew of Decatur
Lodge No. 14 at Sioux City, that a lodge styling itself "National York
Rite Masons," had been planted in Sioux City. He immediately
notified the several lodges in the jurisdiction and gave instructions
"to prevent if possible, by legitimate and quiet methods, a repetition
of the performance in other communities of the State." He advised as
the best means to combat it was, "in addition to rigid non-
intercourse, fraternally, is to educate the public concerning the utter
worthlessness of this brand of so-called Masonry."
He accepted the resignation of the Junior Grand Warden, Bro. W.
P. Wade of Rescue Lodge No. 25 of Omaha, Neb., and appointed Bro.
Wm. Headley 4 Keystone Lodge No. 33 o fill the vacancy.
On November 30, 1919, he received and accepted the resignation of
Bro. Harry W. Rose, Grand Secretary, and appointed Bro. W. H. Bailey,
the Deputy Grand Secretary, to fill the vacancy. Bro. Rose had found
he did not have the time to devote to the work of the Secretary's
office. His work for three years past had been very creditable.
Recommended that the office of Grand Reviewer be changed, back
to C. C. F. C.; that the Secretary's office be made the agency for
supplies for the use of subordinate lodge; that the Grand Secretary's
salary be raised; and re-recommended that the subordinate lodges be
renumbered from 4 to the highest number consecutively. All were
adopted except the renumbering of the lodges. The Iowa Code
provides that "No new lodges shall receive the name or number of
any lodge of the jurisdiction whether extinct otherwise." This law has
been adhered to in the Iowa jurisdiction with but three exceptions:
Hiram Lodge No. 19, at Davenport was given the number formerly
held by Clark Lodge No. 19; Decatur Lodge No. 13 was allowed to take
No. 14, formerly held by Anchor Lodge No. 14 of Minneapolis, Minn;
and Albia Star Lodge No. 26 is the same name and number of a
former lodge at Albia that surrendered its warrant in 1909.
The Grand Master was authorized to appoint a committee of five
lawyer members to investigate the feasibility of an incorporated body
189
and report to the next Grand Lodge. A new edition of the Code was
ordered printed.
Among the distinguished visitors were Rev. Bro. I. B. Smith, C. C.
F. C. of the Grand Lodge of Nebraska; Rev. Bro. S. B. Moore, Worthy
Grand Patron, and Rev. Bro. J. H. Garrisan, Past Worthy Grand Patron
of Electa Grand Chapter 0. E. S. of Iowa.
The Grand Master, Grand Treasurer, and Grand Secretary were re-
elected without opposition. Bro. John E. Bradford elected Grand
Custodian.
Sioux City was selected as the place for holding the next Annual
Communication.
Membership 853; Cash on hand, General Fund, $416.60; Relief
Fund, $1,394.32; Burial Fund, $532.00; War Saving Stamps, $442.00.
The Grand Lodge dues were raised from 50 cents to $1.00.
THIRTY-FOURTH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION

Sioux City, Iowa, July 11, 12,13,14, 1921

BRO. GEO. L. SUTER, Grand Secretary
On Monday, July 11, 1921, a Grand Lodge School of Instruction as

provided in Section 2 of the Code, was conducted by Bro. J. E.
Bradford, Grand Custodian, during which the ritualistic work of the
three degrees of Masonry was exemplified.
In conformity with the Constitution and act of the last Grand
Lodge the officers and members of the M. W. United Grand Lodge of
Iowa assembled in the Hall provided by Decatur Lodge No. 14, at
Sioux City, Iowa, at 10 A. M. on Tuesday, July 12, 1921, and was
opened in Ample Form by Grand Master W. W. Gross.
Following the usual preliminaries the Deputy Grand Master B. J.
Hack presented the Grand Master, who then read his Annual
Address. It was a clear expression of the facts and details of the past
year's work. Had authorized Deputy Grand Master B. J. Hack to lay
the corner stone of Bethel Baptist Church at Perry, Iowa, Sept. 18,
1920. Had accepted the resignation of the Grand Secretary, Bro. W. H.
Bailey, and appointed Bro. Geo. L. Suter, of Eureka Lodge No. 20, at
Marshalltown, to fill the vacancy. Filial duty compelled Bro. Bailey to
leave the jurisdiction and return to his former home in West Virginia.
Two new lodges had been added to the roster. One at Centerville
which was warranted Tuscan Lodge No. 42, and Corinthian Lodge U.
D. at Fort Madison whose dispensation was continued. For good
reasons had not ordered the new edition of the Code printed. Asked
that the Grand Lodge of Arizona be extended recognition,
Recommended the C. C. F. C. be allowed a salary of $25.00 a year. He
190
discussed at length the term "Clandestine Lodges" and interpreted its

meaning as used in the Code. He had been unable to attend the
meeting of the International Conference of Grand Masters and Grand
Secretaries which was held in Cincinnati in August 1920, and in
response to his request the Committee on jurisprudence presented
the following report as expressing the sentiment of the Grand Lodge:
"In regard to the recommendation of the Grand Master for a
declaration by this Grand Lodge setting forth its attitude toward the
International Conference of Grand Masters, and referred to this
Committee on Grand Master's Address, we recommend the adoption
of the following:
RESOLUTION
Whereas, there seems to have arisen some question with

reference to the status and jurisdiction of the Inter-National
Conference of present and Past Grand Masters and Grand
Secretaries, formerly presided over by Past Grand Master
John L. Thompson of Iowa, and at present presided over by
Grand Master W. T. Wood of Alabama, be it hereby Resolved
by the Most Worshipful United Grand Lodge of A. F. & A. M.
of Iowa and jurisdiction, That we recognize said Inter-
National Conference as a Conference only for social
intercourse and exchange of ideas by its members, but
having no jurisdiction whatsoever, neither legislative,
judicial nor executive, over the various Grand Lodges which
are there represented, the said Grand Lodges themselves and
each of them being sovereign bodies, having supreme
authority, legislative, judicial and executive, over all matters
of Symbolic Masonry in their respective jurisdiction.
Approved.
The Committee of five lawyers appointed by the Grand Master made

the following report:
REPORT OF SPECIAL LEGAL COMMITTEE
Brother S. Joe Brown (30) presented the report of the Committee

on Incorporating the Grand Lodge, and on motion of Brother A, G.
Clark (16) same was adopted.
To the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Wardens and

members of the Most Worshipful United Grand Lodge, A. F.
&. A, M. for Iowa and Jurisdiction:
191
The undersigned committee of attorneys, appointed by

the Grand Master, pursuant to authority vested in him by
our last Grand Communication, to make a thorough and
careful investigation and report on the propriety of and the
possible benefits to be view of the existence of certain
conditions referred to by the Grand derived by the
incorporation of this Grand Lodge, especially in Master in
his 1920 Annual Address, after having obtained from the
Grand Master detailed information with reference to the
specific matters upon which he desired a legal opinion,
submit for your consideration the following
Iowa, A. F. & A. M. in session assembled in Sioux City
the guest of Decatur Lodge No. 14, that since this is the first
time in the history of Iowa Masons that this Grand Lodge
ever met here, and the great reception tendered and
generous hospitality shown not only by the craftsmen of
this city but by Mayor Wallace M. Short and, the sisters of
Harmony Chapter for the gift of flowers and all the people of
Sioux City; therefore, be it resolved that this Grand Lodge
extend our most hearty thanks and appreciation for the
courtesies extended to us during our Grand Session here.
Approved.
THIRTY-FIFTH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION

Des Moines, Iowa, July 12, 13, 14, 15, 1922

Grand Lodge School of Instruction, as provided for in the

Code, was held on Monday, July 12, 1922 and was under the direction
of Grand Custodian, Bro. John E. Bradford. General instructions in
the three symbolic Degrees was given and some very accurate work
done by selected degree teams.
At 10 o'clock A. M. on Tuesday, July 13, 1922, in obedience to the
provisions of the Constitution and act of the last Grand Lodge, the
officers and members of the M. W. United Grand Lodge of Iowa
assembled in the Auditorium of St. Paul A. M. E. Church, in the city
of Des Moines, Iowa, the guest of North Star Lodge No. 2, and was
called to order by Grand Master W. W. Gross. A constitutional
number of lodges being represented, the Grand Lodge was opened in
Ample Form by the Grand Master.
192
Following the usual formalities the Grand Master turned the gavel
over to Deputy Grand Master H. E. Williams, and then read his
Annual Address.
He reported the passing on December 26, 1921, of Past Grand
Master Austin A. Bland, at his home in Keokuk, Iowa after a brief
illness, and gave a brief sketch of his life and Masonic career. On the
occasion of his funeral on December 29, 11921, he convened the
Grand Lodge in emergency communication and conducted the last
rites of the Order. Most of the Grand officers and Past Grand Masters
were present.
Reorganized Albia Star Lodge No. 26 at Albia and asked that it be
permitted to retain its old name and number; asked that Corinthian
Lodge at Ft. Madison be granted its warrant and number, 43. He
declined to consider a proposition to institute a lodge at Ogden,
Utah, and one in Des Moines. He held that Annual Sermons" were
not officially recognized in the Iowa jurisdiction. The Revised edition
of the Code had been printed and was ready for distribution. He had
visited all the lodges.
He discussed with force and clearness the advisability as well as
the practicability of curtailing the business session of the Grand
Lodge by one day and extending the time of the School of Instruction
one day, and presented an amendment to the Constitution
embodying the plan which was approved and referred to the next
Grand Lodge for final action.
The Grand Lodge continued its membership in the Inter-National
Conference of Grand Masters and Grand Secretaries and selected
Grand Master Gross to represent it at the next meeting in
Washington, D. C., in August 1922.
A communication was read from Past Senior Grand Warden W. D.
Crawford, of Cedar Grove Lodge No. 18, and in response to an appeal
by the Grand Secretary an offering of $36.00 was contributed.
The. Grand Treasurer was allowed compensation in the sum of
$21.00 a year.
Subordinate lodges were ordered to fill in all quarterly and annual
return blanks with typewriter. All committee reports were ordered
typewritten at the expense of the Grand Lodge.
Davenport was selected as the place for holding the next Annual
Communication. The Grand Master, Grand Treasurer and Grand
Secretary were re-elected. Bro. Albert Gater of Doric Lodge No. 30,
was elected Grand Custodian.
Membership, 1,050; General Fund $637.77; Relief Fund, $2,702.97;
Burial Fund $991.70; War Saving Stamps, $500.00
THIRTY-SIXTH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION

Davenport, July 9, 10, 11, 12, 1923
193

On Monday, July 9, 1921, the Grand Lodge School of Instruction

was conducted by Grand Custodian Albert Gater and was in session
during the day and evening.
Conformable with the provisions of the Constitution and the act
of the last Grand Lodge the officers and members of the M. W. United
Grand Lodge of Iowa assembled in Turner Hall, the guest of Hiram
Lodge No. 19, and at 9:15 A. M. on Tuesday, July 10, 1923, was called
to order by the Grand Master. After ascertaining a constitutional
number of lodges were duly represented Grand Master W. W. Gross
opened the Grand Lodge in Ample Form, appointed his committees,
and with Deputy Grand Master John E. Bradford presiding, read his
Annual Address. He discussed with his usual force and acumen
matters that were of vital interest to the welfare of the Craft. He
reported the death of M. W. Bro. Nelson C. Crews, Past Grand Master
of Missouri. He reaffirmed his former reports on the State of the
Order and made an earnest appeal for more individual activity among
Masons. He discussed the relative merits of the two different
methods of teaching the ritual--visitation by the Custodian or District
School, but made no recommendation on the subject. He asked the
Grand Lodge to adopt some equitable plan for defraying the expense
of the Grand Master's visit to the lodges. He discussed the care of
indigent Masons and recommended that some concrete plan be
devised for their welfare and support, He gave an extended report of
his attendance upon the meeting of the Inter-National Conference of
Grand Masters, Grand Secretaries, etc., at Washington, D. C., in
August, 1922, and for reasons fully set forth expressed the opinion,
that in his judgment "the Grand Master's Conference ought to be
dissolved." This was the list time the Grand Lodge has been officially
represented in the Conference. He had entertained on May 30th, at
his home in Keokuk, M. W. Bro. Eugene G. Lacey, Grand Master of
Missouri. Recommended the Trustees be authorized to invest
$2,500,00 of Relief Funds in Government Securities. He presented his
valedictory, and closed with an inspiring benediction.
The special Committee on Teaching the Work reported in favor of
continuing the system of visitation by the Custodian. The
Chronological History of Lodges, by Br. A. G. Clark, was ordered
printed in the Proceedings and he was allowed $25.00 in
compensation. The sum of $100.00 was contributed towards the
defense of Bro. W. W. Green, a, member of North Star Lodge No. 2,
who was in difficulty in Greensboro, N. C.
194
The Constitutional Amendment passed at the last session

curtailing the session to two days and increasing the School of
Instruction to two days was approved, and the time of meeting of the
Grand Lodge fixed as the first Wednesday after the second Tuesday in
July.
Bro. John E. Bradford was elected Grand Master. The Grand
Treasurer, Grand Secretary and Grand Custodian were re-elected
without opposition.
Waterloo was selected as the place for holding the next Annual
Communication.
SPECIAL COMMUNICATION, FUNERAL LODGE

Davenport Iowa, Oct 27, 1923
BRO. THOMAS LIGHON, Senior Warden, Acting Grand Master

Following is the official record as printed in the 1923 Proceedings:

Under the call of the Senior Grand Warden, Acting Grand Master,
the M. W. United Grand Lodge of Iowa convened at the place and on
the date before mentioned to pay funeral honors to M. W., Brother
John E. Bradford, Grand Master.
The Grand Lodge was opened in Due Form by the Acting Grand
Master, R. W. Brother Thomas Lighon (18), assisted by R. W., Brother
H. E. Williams (4), Deputy Grand Master; R. W., Brother William Bell
(35), as Senior Grand Warden, R. W. Brother Ross Hopkins (19), as
Junior Grand Warden; R. W., Brother John D. Reeler (34), Grand
Treasurer; R. W., Brother Geo. L. Suter (20), Grand Secretary; with
Past Grand Officers, members of the Grand Lodge present among
whom were Brother S. Joe Brown (30), P. G. M.; Brother W. W. Gross,
(1), P. C. M.; Brother A. W. Steppe (36), Past junior Grand Warden;
Brother A. G. Clark (16), Past Grand Custodian, together with
Brothers P. E. Reeves (18); H. B. Smith (19); William Watts (41); F. D.
Bland (1); A. 0. Powell (39), members of Hiram and other Iowa
lodges, and brethren from Moline and Rock Island, Ill. Brief eulogies
were spoken by Past Grand Masters S. Joe Brown and W. W. Gross.
Religious exercises were held at the Bethel A. M. E. Church with
Rev. G. W. Kimble, of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, officiating, assisted by
the local clergy. And afterwards the remains were borne to Oakdale
Cemetery, escorted by the Tri Cities Commandery, Knights Templar,
and a large concourse of Master Masons, where Masonic burial took
place, conducted by Past Grand Master W. W. Gross.
The Grand Lodge returned to the place of assembly and was
closed in Due Form.
195
THOMAS LIGHON, Act. Grand Master. GEO. L. SUTER, Grand

Secretary.
THIRTY-SEVENTH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION

Waterloo, Iowa, July 7,8,9,10, 1924
BRO. THOMAS LIGHON, Senior Grand Warden,

Acting Grand Master
On Monday and Tuesday, July 7 and 8, 1924, the first two-day

School of Instruction was conducted by Bro. Albert Gater, Grand
Custodian. The School was well attended and the work done testified
to the wisdom of devoting an extra day to ritualistic instruction.
In compliance with the Constitution and the action of the last
Grand Lodge, the officers and members of the M. W. United Grand
Lodge of Iowa, convened in the K. C. Hall which had been provided
by St. Johns Lodge No. 35 at Waterloo, on Wednesday, July 9, 1924, at
9:15 A. M. and was called to order by the Senior Grand Warden, Bro.
Thomas Lighon, Acting Grand Master, who appointed Bro. N. L.
Black, of Rough Ashler Lodge NO. 41, to act as Senior Grand Warden.
After ascertaining that a constitutional number of lodges were duly
represented he opened the Grand Lodge in Due Form, appointed his
committees and with the Deputy Grand Master Bro. H. E. Williams
presiding, read his Annual Address. He spoke in words of tenderness
of Grand Master Bradford and the great loss his death had been to
the Craft. He had endeavored to sense the responsibilities and carry
forward the duties devolving upon him by the death of the Grand
Master. His record shows he did perform those duties with much
credit to himself and satisfaction of the Craft. He had organized and
dispensated a lodge at Valley junction, Iowa, which was warranted
Cedar Valley Lodge No. 44. He had laid three corner stones: Mt, Zion
Baptist Church at Cedar Rapids, Bethel A. M. E. Church, in Des,
Moines and St. Johns A. M. E. Church in Haydock. He reported the
laying of the corner stone Of Mt. Zion Baptist Church at Hay, dock on
July 5th by Deputy Grand Master H. E. Williams acting under a
dispensation from Grand Master J. E. Bradford. He had visited most
of the lodges and reported conditions satisfactory.
Some changes were made in the laws regulating the payment of
dues and in the method of paying claims against the Grand Lodge.
The Grand Secretary, Bro. Geo. L. Suter, who was employed as
Chief Engineer at the pumping station of the Marshalltown
Waterworks, was called home on the first day of the session, and
Bro. F. S. Johnson was appointed to take his place.
196
The Burial Service arranged by a special committee was adopted

and ordered printed.
Rev. Bro. I. B. Smith, C. C. F. C. of the Grand Lodge of Nebraska
was again present and extended greetings from his Grand Lodge and
delivered the Memorial Address at the Lodge of Sorrow.
The law providing for a two-day business session of the Grand
Lodge went into effect at this Communication and the ease and
general satisfaction with which the business was transacted proved
beyond a doubt the feasibility of the experiment.
Council Bluffs was selected as the place for holding the next
Bro. A. G. Clark was elected Grand Master.
Bro. J. D. Reeler re-elected Grand Treasurer.
Bro. F. S. Johnson elected Grand Secretary.
Bro. Wm. Bell, elected Grand Custodian.
Membership 1,035; General Fund $700.22; Relief Fund $1,928.00;
Burial Fund, $1,567. 88; Government Securities, $2,000.00; Balance due
from Geo. L. Suter, $198.99; Total $6,395.54.
THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION

Council Bluffs, Iowa, July 13,14,15,16, 1925
BRO. ALEXANDER G. CLARK, Grand Master

BRO. F. S. JOHNSON, Grand Secretary
On Monday and Tuesday, July 13 and 14, 1925, the Grand Lodge
School of Instruction was conducted by the Grand Custodian, Bro.
Wm. Bell, at which the three degrees of Masonry were conferred upon
a candidate furnished by Twin City Lodge. The school was well
attended by Masters and Wardens of the Subordinate lodges who
took much interest and gave close attention to the work and
instruction given.
In compliance with the Constitution and act of the last Grand
Lodge, the officers and members of the M. W. United Grand Lodge of
Iowa assembled in the hall provided by Twin City Lodge No. 32, in
the city of Council Bluffs at 9:30 A. M. on Wednesday, July 15, 1925,
and was called to order by Grand Master, A. G. Clark. After
ascertaining that a constitutional number of lodges were represented
the Grand Master opened the Grand Lodge in Ample Form and
appointed his committees.
The Grand Master ruled that owing to the change restricting the
business session to two days, that all propositions for new
legislation or amendments to the Code, must be presented in writing
and referred to the proper committee before the close of the
morning, session on the first day, and gave an opportunity at that for
197
presenting the same. M. W. Bro. Chas. W. Dickinson, Grand Master,

and R. W. Bro. W. P. Wade, Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge
of Nebraska, were admitted, received with honors and escorted to
the Grand East. The Deputy Grand Master, Bro. C. C. Johnson was
called to preside while the Grand Master read his Annual Address. He
reported the sudden death of Past Grand Master E. T. Banks at his
home in Des Moines on January 1925, and that he was present at the
funeral and conducted the Masonic service on January 15th. Had
constituted and delivered the warrant of Cedar Valley Lodge No. 44 in
the town of Valley Junction, and had, for good reasons, granted the
lodge permission to move to the city of Des Moines. Had visited
most of the lodges and reported the Craft in fine condition. He
reported the Relief Department to be functioning with easy regularity
and promptness, and advised it "be let alone." Had refused to lay
corner stones in old buildings being repaired. Had been in
correspondence with P. G. M. Walker Williams of Minnesota
regarding his proposal for a joint Masonic Home by Minnesota,
Nebraska and Iowa, but no definite plan had been agreed upon. Was
the guest of Grand Master T. H. Samuels of Prince Hall Grand Lodge
of Illinois at the ceremonies of laying the Corner Stone of their
$250,000.00 Masonic Temple in Chicago on October 12, 1924, and also
visited at the Grand Lodge then in session. Was the guest of Pearl
City Lodge No. 39 at Muscatine on the occasion of their St. John's
Day celebration. Reported that the balance due the Grand Lodge by
Bro. Geo. L. Suter had been satisfactorily adjusted and promptly
paid. The Grand Lodge ordered the bonds of the Grand Treasurer and
Grand Secretary doubled in amount. The Grand Master was allowed a
salary of $50.00 and the Secretary, $100.00.
The recommendation of the Grand Master to allow all Past Grand
Master railroad fare and per-diem was defeated.
The following resolution was passed:
(BY THE COMMITTEE ON GRAND MASTER'S ADDRESS)
Whereas, From the Annual Address of the Grand Master,

we learn that a considerable portion of the funds of Electa
Grand Chapter 0. E. S., for Iowa and jurisdiction, are
unavailable through the failure of the institution in which its
funds were kept. And
Whereas, The Grand Master has stated that a duty
devolves upon the Grand Lodge at this time to put its words
into deeds by making a substantial provision for the Grand
Chapter to meet any contingency and has recommended the
placing of funds at its disposal for use in case of emergency.
It is therefore,
198
Ordered; That the trustees of the Grand Lodge be and

they are hereby authorized and directed to loan Electa Grand
Chapter 0. E. S., any moneys of the Grand Lodge not
otherwise employed, in sums not to exceed One Hundred
($100.00) Dollars at any one time; the total amount of such
loans not to exceed Five Hundred ($500.00) Dollars in any
one year, which shall bear interest at the rate of four (4) per
cent per annum, the same shall be for the use of Electa
Grand Chapter in meeting claims against its Endowment
Department, for which the said Electa Grand Chapter shall
not have sufficient funds at the time. Application for such
loans shall be made to the Grand Master signed by the
Worthy Grand Matron, Worthy Grand Patron, Grand
Treasurer and Grand Secretary of Electa Grand Chapter.
The resolution by P. G. M., I. L. Brown to create a Sinking Fund by

increasing the Grand Lodge dues, for the purpose of establishing a
Masonic Horne was approved with slight changes and final action
deferred until the next Grand Lodge. The recommendation of Perfect
Ashler Lodge No. 34 for the restoration Archie L. Summers was
approved,
Several propositions designed to fix the compensation of the
Grand Master and Grand Custodian when visiting the lodges were
rejected as being either impracticable or unconstitutional.
Cedar Rapids was selected as the place for holding the next
Custodian were re-elected.
Membership, 1,031; General Fund, $731.26, Relief Fund, $2,695.58;
Burial Fund, $2,261.01; Government Securities, $2,000.00
Total $7,470.70,
THIRTY-NINTH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION

Cedar Rapids, Iowa, July 12,13,14,15, 1926
BRO. A. G. CLARK, Grand Master

On Monday and Tuesday, July 12 and 13, the Grand Lodge School
of Instruction was conducted by Bro. Wm. Bell, Grand Custodian. At
the afternoon session on Tuesday by request of the Grand Master the
stations were filled by the brand Officers and work in the Second
Rank demonstrated. During the second section of the degree the
Deputy Grand Master occupied the East while the Grand Custodian
filled the Senior Deacon's place.
199
Complying with the provisions of the Constitution and act of the

last Grand Lodge, the officers and members of the United Grand
Lodge of Iowa assembled in the hall provided by Mt. Olive Lodge No.
17 at Cedar Rapids, lowa, at 9: 10 A. M. on Wednesday, July 14, 1926,
and were called to order by Grand Master A. G. Clark.
There being a constitutional number of lodges represented the
Grand Master opened the Grand Lodge in Ample Form and appointed
his committees. The Past Grand Masters present were presented to
the Grand Lodge. Several resolutions were offered and referred to the
proper committees
The hour having arrived for the Grand Master's Address, Deputy
Grand Master M. A. Askew was called to preside while Grand Master
Clark read his Annual Address. He referred to the splendid record of
Mt. Olive Lodge the forty-seven years it had functioned, having
entertained the Grand Lodge four times, and was the lodge home of
his father, Past Grand Master Alexander Clark, at the time of his
death. Ile reported the death of Past Deputy Grand Master Major 0.
Culberson, of McNeil Lodge No. 21, at his home in Clinton on Nov. 5
1925, and spoke of his splendid Masonic record. Was not notified in
time to attend his funeral. Reported the condition of Electa Grand
Chapter, 0. E. S. had not become impaired the past year and no
application for loans had been made. Had visited most of the lodges.
In company with Junior Grand Warden, Bro. J. W. Young and Past
Senior Grand Warden, Bro. R. S. Taylor, he had visited Prince Hall
Grand Lodge of Illinois in its 59th Annual Communication in Rock
Island, Ill., on Thursday, Oct. 15, 1925. He was the guest of Grand
Master Fred W. Dabney, Grand Lodge of Missouri, during the week of
August 1925, while in attendance at the 27th annual meeting of the
National Educational Congress in Kansas City, Mo.
The Grand Lodge approved his recommendation to create a
Charity Fund to be administered by the Grand Trustees; and one to
add the words "Prince Hall Affiliation" to the title of the Grand
Lodge. The amendment to create a Board of Custodians to consist of
all Past Grand Masters was ratified. The amendment offered by Past
Grand Master I. L. Brown to create a Masonic Home Fund failed of
ratification. Three of the Grand Master's decisions were upheld. The
one "Holding that a member of the Iowa jurisdiction residing in a
foreign jurisdiction whose lodge become defunct, may place his
demit in any lodge in the Iowa jurisdiction," was overruled.
Recognized by appropriate resolution the Grand Lodge of
Wisconsin. A resolution to participate in the International
Conference at Boston, Mass., during the week of August 26, 1926, was
laid on the table. The Board of Trustees was directed to investigate
the advisability of investing funds of the Grand Lodge in the stock of
the Fraternal Temple Association of Des Moines.
200
The Grand Secretary was authorized to purchase an adding

machine, and his form for a diploma and traveling card was
approved.
Ottumwa was selected as the place of holding the next Annual
Communication.
The Grand Master, Grand Treasurer and Grand Secretary were
re-elected. Bro. Henry B. Smith of Hiram Lodge No. 19, was elected
Grand Custodian.
Burial Fund $3,015.26; Government Securities $2,500.00; Total
$10,060.16.
FORTIETH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION

Ottumwa, Iowa, July 11, 12,13,14, 1927
BRO. A. G. CLARK, Grand Master

The time on Monday and Tuesday, July 11 and 12, was devoted to
instruction in the Grand Lodge School of Instruction and besides the
ritualistic work instruction was given in the Burial Service and other
Monitorial work. The School was in charge of the Grand Custodian
Bro. H. B. Smith.
Complying with the Constitution and act of the last Grand Lodge,
the officers and members of the M. W. United Grand Lodge of Iowa,
(Prince Hall Affiliation) assembled in the hall provided by Golden Star
Lodge No. 4, in the city of Ottumwa, Iowa, on Wednesday, July 13,
1927, and at 9:30 A. M. was called to order by Grand Master, A. G.
Clark.
A roll call of lodges showed 20 of the 24 lodges duly represented
and the Grand Master proceeded and opened the Grand Lodge in
Ample Form and appointed his committees. Several resolutions were
presented and referred to proper committees. At the appointed hour
the Grand Master surrendered the gavel to the Deputy Grand Master,
M. F. Askew and then read his Annual Address. He referred to the
fact that Organized Masonry among Negroes had existed in Iowa for
sixty-one years, and that the United Grand Lodge had now served the
Craft with "pleasure and profit" for forty years, and then said:
"Looking backward over its forty years of fraternalism: one may well
be proud of its founders, its history, its progress and its
achievements, for Iowa Masonry and the "Iowa Idea" is being
commented upon and commended in all our sister jurisdictions."
He reported the death at his home in Burlington, Iowa, on
Tuesday, Jan. 25, 1927, of Iowa's Senior Past Grand Master M. W.
Brother John L. Brooks. He attended the funeral but was unable to
201
remain after the religious services in the church, and deputized Past
Grand Master W. W. Gross to conduct the Masonic Service at the
grave. He attended the funeral of Past Junior Grand Warden, Chas. B.
Woods in Des Moines on Jan. 27, 1927, and on April 10, 1927,
conducted the funeral of Past Junior Grand Warden Zachariah A.
Taylor, at Ottumwa. Bro. Taylor was a charter member of the Grand
Lodge and had been present at nearly every Annual Communication.
He had visited most of the lodges. Was the guest of the Grand
Custodian on Christmas Div. Was the guest of Hiram Lodge No. 19 on
Sunday, June 19 in the observance of St. John Day. Had visited the
new Masonic Home at Rock Island, and after thorough investigation
expressed the opinion that "as an economical proposition; a home
would be a failure in Iowa." During the week of Sept. 6, 1926 had
entertained Bro. Thomas Bass, of Mexico, Mo., Deputy Grand Master
of the Grand Lodge of Missouri.
Recommended that the Relief and Burial Department law be
printed in the Proceedings and that a member who had neither wife
or minor children be allowed to name his beneficiary. The
amendment to the Constitution to add the words "Prince Hall
Affiliation" to the title was ratified. The Trustees were authorized to
loan $2,000 to the Fraternal Temple Association with proper security.
A resolution affecting the tenure of the office of Grand Master, and
one to raise the salary of the Grand Secretary, were ruled out of order
on the ground that all amendments to the Code must be presented
before noon of the first day. A resolution to change the time of
holding the Grand Lodge from July to September failed of approval.
The committee on Grand Master's Address offered the following:
Your Committee believes the history of this Grand Lodge

should be compiled, and in view of that fact we recommend
that Bro. A. G. Clark be requested to begin immediately to
compile such a history and submit it to this Grand Lodge for
its approval. Respectfully submitted,
S. JOE BROWN (30)
A. R. JOYCE (17)
W. W. GROSS (1)
Grand Master Clark accepted, and said, he would compile the

history of the Iowa Grand Lodge as best he could.
This is the authority under which this history has been compiled.
Burlington was selected as the place for holding the next Annual
Communication.
Bro. H. E. Williams was elected Grand Master, the Grand
Treasurer, Grand Secretary and Grand Custodian were re-elected,
202
A committee was appointed to confer with the allied Masonic

Bodies and Electa Grand Chapter, 0. E. S. regarding the advisability of
all holding their Annual Sessions at the same time in the same city.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, July 6, 1927.

F. S. JOHNSON, Gr. Sec.,
United Grand Lodge of Iowa,
Keokuk, Iowa.
Dear Mr. Johnson:
I want to thank you kindly for your letter of July 5, and for copies
of your Grand Lodge Proceedings which you stated you were sending
to me and which have come duly to hand. We are indeed glad to have
these to make our set of your Proceedings complete and now that
they are complete we will have them nicely bound. This had not been
done previous to this time as the years were not complete and we
disliked to go to the expense of binding until we had all of the
numbers.
Again thanking you, and with kindest regards, I remain
Very truly yours,
C. C. HUNT, Grand Secretary
The Iowa jurisdiction of Prince Hall Masons is the only one that
has a complete set of its official Proceedings in the Iowa Masonic
Library.
Burial Fund, $3,478.76; Charity Fund $227.57; Government Securities
$2,500.00; Total $11,381.64.
FORTY-FIRST ANNUAL COMMUNICATION

Burlington, Iowa, July 9, 10, 11, 12, 1928
BRO. HENRY E. WILLIAMS, Grand Master

The usual Grand Lodge School of Instruction was held on Monday

and Tuesday, July 9 and 10, under the management and direction of
the Grand Custodian, Bro. Henry B. Smith. Ono of the interesting and
instructive features of the school was the lecture and demonstration
of the Burial Service by P. G. M., W. W. Gross.
Complying with the Constitution and act of the last Grand Lodge,
the officers and members of the United Grand Lodge of Iowa,
assembled in the hall provided by Sumner Lodge No. 3, at Burlington
at 9:30 A. M. on Wednesday, July 11, 1928, and were called to order by
Grand Master Henry E. Williams. The roll call of lodges showed 23 of
the 24 lodges duly represented. Following the usual routine, Grand
Master Williams opened the Grand Lodge in Ample Form and
203
appointed his committees. The Deputy Grand Master, Bro. R. S.

Taylor, was called to preside while the Grand Master read his Annual
Address. It was a well-prepared document, both for the sentiment
expressed and the careful consideration given to the details of the
office. He made no regular official visit, but was able to report the
Craft in normal condition. He reported twenty-three deaths during
the years, the largest number during one year since the organization.
He reported the death of M. W. Bro. C. C. Johnson, Grand Master of
South Carolina, who had served continuously in that office for
twenty-eight years. He made no special recommendations. His official
acts and decisions were approved except the one in which he
convened a lodge on Sunday for official business. He commended the
new Grand Charity Fund and expressed the belief that the
appropriations had been wisely and worthily bestowed.
For good and sufficient reasons Cedar Grove Lodge No. 18, at
Haydock was exempted from payment of the Relief and Burial dues
for July and October, 1928. A resolution to change time of holding the
Annual Session from July to June failed of endorsement as did one to
limit the term of Grand Master to two consecutive years.
A motion prevailed that 11. G. M., A. C. Clark be requested to have
three typewritten copies of the "History of Iowa Masonry" made and
presented to the Grand Lodge with his report, and that he be allowed
a contingent fee, not to exceed one hundred dollars.
Some interesting facts concerning the early history of Masonry
were related in short talks by Past Grand Masters S. Joe Brown, John
D. Reeler, W. H. Milligan, John L. Thompson and W. W. Gross. Bro.
Gross in closing made an earnest appeal to the older Masons to put
in writing any incidents that should be preserved and see that they
were brought to the attention of Bro. Clark. We regret to say that
nothing of that character has ever been sent to the writer, and since
that meeting the voices of Milligan, Thompson and Reeler have been
hushed forever in Eternal Sleep.
Waterloo was selected as the place for holding the next Annual
Communication.
elected. Bro. Wm. Oney was elected Grand Custodian.
Membership 939; General Fund, $1,421.81; Relief Fund $3,959.83;
Burial Fund $3,057.76; Charity Fund $372.05; Government Securities
$2,500.00; Total $11,311.45.
No satisfactory arrangements had been made for the loan of
$2,000.00 to the Fraternal Temple Association of Des Moines.
SPECIAL COMMUNICATION--FUNERAL LODGE

Cedar Rapids, Iowa, August 5, 1928
204
Upon the call of Grand Master H. E. Williams, The M. W. United

Grand Lodge (Prince Hall Affiliation) for Iowa and Jurisdiction
convened upon tile above date at 1:30 P. M., for the purpose of
paying honor to Bro. William Henry Milligan, Past Grand Master.
The Grand Lodge was opened in Ample Form by Grand Master H.
E. Williams with the assistance of Brother N. L. Black (41), as Senior
Grand Warden; Bro. Geo. Ashby (17), as Junior Grand Warden; F. S.
Johnson, C. Secy.; J. W. Lacy (35), as Senior Grand Deacon; W. C.
Buice (44), as Junior Grand Deacon; H. L. Powell (17) as Senior Grand
Steward; Reuben Ford (17), Junior Grand Steward; Rev. A. Ford (17),
as Grand Chaplain; Wm. Green (17), Grand Tyler; J. B. Nelson (17), as
Grand Marshal.
There were also present many members of the Grand Lodge
among whom were P.G. M., A. G. Clark, P. G. M., W. W. Gross, P. G.
M., J. L. Thompson; Senior Grand Warden, H. A. Martin; Past
Masters: E. L. Dimitry (2), B. N. Hyde (2), Chas. Davis (4), W. C. Buice
(44), J. W. Rhoads (2), J. W. Lacy (35), Wm. Houghton (35), R. G.
Potter (35); also members of Mt, Olive Lodge No. 17 and other lodges
far and near.
The funeral procession moved from the Hall of Mt. Olive Lodge to
Bethel A. M. E. Church where the body lay in state. Funeral services
were conducted by the Rev. S. B. Washington assisted by Rev. W. A.
Hackley, P. E., and other local ministers.
Silver Leaf Chapter 0. E. S., attended in a body as Brother Milligan
was the organizer and first Grand Patron of the Iowa Grand Chapter
0. E. S.
The church was banked with the many beautiful floral tokens of
respect and sympathy, many friends were unable to get into the
church, so numerous were Brother Milligan's neighbors and friends.
Afterwards the body was borne to Oak Hill Cemetery, escorted by
the Grand Lodge, Mt. Olive Lodge and Masons from many other
Lodges.
The Masonic Burial Sermon was conducted in a deeply impressive
manner by Past Grand Master, W. W. Gross (1). (This was the request
of Brother Milligan expressed no earlier than the Grand Lodge
Session less than a month ago.)
The Grand Lodge returned to the place of assembly, Mt. Olive
Lodge room, where eulogies were spoken by Past Master, A. G. Clark,
J. L. Thompson, W. W. Cross and P. G. W., N. L. Black.
The Grand Lodge was then closed in Ample Form.
H. E. WILLIAMS, Grand Master.
F. S. JOHNSON, Grand Secretary.
FORTY-SECOND ANNUAL COMMUNICATION

Waterloo, Iowa, July 8, 9, 10, 11, 1929
205

The regular two day Grand Lodge School of Instruction was

conducted by the Grand Custodian, Bro. Wm. Oney and was well
attended by the Worshipful Masters of the subordinate lodges as well
as the officers of the Grand Lodge. Ritualistic work in the three
degree was exemplified by degree teams selected by the Grand
Custodian. "The Degree Team" was the subject of an interesting
lecture by Past Grand Custodian, Bro. Henry B. Smith. The Junior
Grand Warden, Br. Henry A. Martin gave a lecture on the Principles of
Masonry, and Past Grand Custodian, W.M. Bell exemplified in an
interesting and able manner the Burial Service.
In accordance with the Constitution and the provisions of the last
Grand Lodge the officers and members of the M. W. United Grand
Lodge of Iowa assembled in the well appointed K. C. Hall which had
been provided for their use by St. Johns Lodge No. 35, in the city of
Waterloo, Iowa, at 9:00 A. M. on Wednesday, July 10, 1929, and was
called to order by Grand Master Henry E. Williams.
A roll call of lodges showed 18 of the 21 lodges represented and
the Grand Master proceeded to open the Grand Lodge in Ample Form
and appointed his committees.
The following Past Grand Masters were presented and welcomed
by the Craft; J. D. Reeler, I. L. Brown, John L. Thompson, S. Joe
Brown, W. W. Gross and A. G. Clark.
Brother W. D. Crawford of Cedar Grove Lodge No. 18, one of the
few remaining charter members and its third Grand Treasurer, was
presented and delivered some interesting memories of the early days.
Bro. Robert Johnson of Maple Grove Lodge No. 16, a familiar figure in
the Grand Lodge in its earlier day, who had served as Deputy Grand
Master, Grand Treasurer and Senior and Junior Grand Warden, was
presented and given a hearty welcome.
Grand Master Williams surrendered the gavel to his Deputy Bro.
H. B. Smith, who presided during the reading of his Annual Address.
It is an interesting document and discusses many subjects of vital
interest to the Craft. He gives in detail the record of the year's work
and answers a number of questions that should never have been
asked as they are fully covered in the Code.
His principal recommendations were for the establishment of a
Masonic Home, for the organization of a Boys Department and for the
liberalization of the law governing Demits. This latter became
necessary in order to protect the membership rights of members of
Cedar Grove Lodge No. 18, many of whom were forced to leave the
jurisdiction in order to obtain employment. On Aug. 14, 1928, he
arrested the warrant of Twin City Lodge No. 32 at Council Bluffs for
206
delinquency in payment of Grand Lodge dues. The warrant was

restored to this lodge on payment of more than half of its
indebtedness and a promise to pay the balance.
A resolution by Bro. B. N. Hyde to reduce the time of holding the
School of Instruction to one day was rejected.
Bro. A. G. Clark, Historiographer, outlined the work he had done
and presented three typewritten copies of the History of Negro
Masonry in Iowa. It was referred to a committee consisting of Past
Grand Masters W. W. Gross, S. Joe Brown and John L. Thompson for
review, The Committee recommended that the Grand Lodge accept
the work and acquire all rights in its absolute ownership. A rising
vote of thanks was given Bro. Clark and a similar honor extended to
Bro. F. D. Bland and P. G. M., John D. Reeler for contributions they
had made in the way of valuable records.
The Trustees reported four members were receiving aid from the
Grand Charity Fund, and recommended that more time he granted
the Fraternal Temple Association to complete its arrangements for
loan, and asked permission to invest $2,500.00 more in government
securities.
The Board of Custodians approved the adoption of the Revised
edition of the Ritual as recommended by the Grand Custodian.
A cablegram was received from Past Senior Grand Warden D. N.
Crosthwait, dated of London, England, July 11, 1929 in which he
expressed "Greetings and Best Wishes."
The session as a whole was one of the best. The report of the
Grand Officers and the Committees were received and acted upon
without extended argument and harmony prevailed at all times.
A joint invitation from North Star Lodge No. 2, Doric Lodge No. 30
and Cedar Valley Lodge No. 44 to hold the next Annual
Communication in Des Moines was accepted without opposition.
Custodian were all re-elected.
Membership 787. The Grand Auditor reported the following
balances as, of July 11, 1929: General Fund $1,243.41; Relief Fund,
$5,116.33; Burial Fund $4,214.26; Charity Fund, $329.40; Total,
$10,903.40.
FORTY-THIRD ANNUAL COMMUNICATION

Des Moines, Iowa, July 7, 8, 9, 10, 1930
BRO. H. E. WILLIAMS, Grand Master

The regular two-day School of Instruction under the direction of

Wm. Oney, Grand Custodian, was held during Monday and Tuesday,
207
July 7 and 8, 1930. The ritualistic work was ably presented by well-
trained degree teams and the Monitorial work demonstrated by P. G.
M., S. Joe Brown and Bro. J. W. Rhodes, W. M. of North Star Lodge
No. 2.
In accordance with the provisions of the Constitution and act of
the last Grand Lodge, the officers and members of the M. W. United
Grand Lodge of Iowa assembled in the auditorium of St. Paul A-. M.
E. Church in the city of Des Moines on Wednesday, July 9, 1900, at
9:30 A. M., the guest of North Star No. 2, Doric No. 30 and Cedar
Valley No. 44 and was called to order by R. W. Deputy Grand Master
Henry B. Smith. The official roll call showed all Grand Officers present
except the Grand Treasurer, Bro. John D. Reeler, who was critically ill
at his home in Mason City, Bro. Branham N. Hyde of North Star Lodge
No. 2 was appointed acting Grand Treasurer during the session.
Eighteen lodges were represented.
By orders of the Grand Master, the R. W. Deputy Grand Master
opened the Grand Lodge in Due Form and the committees appointed
by the Grand Master were announced by the Deputy Grand Secretary.
This unusual procedure in the Grand, Lodge was done to avoid
delay. The Grand Master at that time was in conference with the
Grand Secretary and acting Grand Treasurer and did not appear in the
Grand Lodge until time for reading his Annual Address. The address
was carefully prepared and discloses an active as well as thoughtful
administration of the duties of his office. He was confronted with
some unique and all unpleasant situations, but he met them with
firmness and the spirit of charity. He arrested the jewel of the
Worshipful Master of Mt. Olive Lodge No, 17, for misappropriating
funds of the Relief and Burial Departments which came into his
hands for distribution. He approved the consolidation of Cedar Grove
Lodge No. 18, at Haydock, and Albia Star Lodge No. 26, at Albia, to be
located at Albia under the name of Cedar Grove Lodge No. 18. His
recommendation to change the method of paying Burial Claims was
rejected.
The Grand Lodge ordered all claims to benefactories on account
of embezzlement on the part of the Worshipful Master of Mt. Olive
Lodge No. 17, be paid.
All lodges in arrears in dues were allowed ninety days in which to
pay up. The committee to which the manuscript prepared by Bro. A.
G. Clark had been referred for review, reported that they had each
read the same. They approved the work, but recommended some
slight change in the numbering and arrangement of the chapters. The
Committee also presented an estimate on the cost of printing 500
copies. As the history was not completed, Bro. Clark was instructed
to complete the work as he had originally outlined it and turn the
208
manuscript over to the Committee 60 days before the meeting of the

next Grand Lodge,
The Trustees recommended that the Grand Lodge consider the
purchase of a home, and presented some concrete facts and figures
relative to the cost and maintenance of such a home.
During the afternoon session on Thursday, Past Grand Master
John L. Thompson, who had been seriously ill during the past year
was able to visit the Grand Lodge for a short time. In spite of his
weakened condition he addressed the Grand Lodge in a cheerful
manner, and encouraged the Craft to carry on.
By unanimous vote Cedar Rapids was selected as the place for
holding the next Annual Communication.
The Grand Master, Grand Secretary and Grand Custodian were re-
elected. Bro. N. L. Black of Rough Ashler Lodge No. 41, was elected
Grand Treasurer.
Membership, 804. Total cash balance $10,187.78. The Auditor's
report is not itemized as to the several funds of the Grand Lodge.
SPECIAL COMMUNICATION-FUNERAL LODGE

Des Moines, Iowa July 25, 1930
Upon call of Grand Master H. E. Williams, the M. W. United Grand

Lodge (Prince Hall Affiliation) for Iowa and Jurisdiction convened
upon the above date at 12 p. m. for the purpose of paying funeral
honors to Bro. John L. Thompson, Past Grand Master.
The Grand Lodge was opened in Ample Form by Grand Master H.
E. Williams, Senior Grand Warden Horace Spencer, Junior Grand
Warden, W. E. Sample, N. L. Black, Grand Treasurer; F. S. Johnson,
Grand Secretary. Grand Custodian, Wm. Oney and members of North
Star, Doric and Cedar Valley Lodges of Des Moines.
There were also present Past Grand Masters, S. Joe Brown (30), W.
W. Gross (1), A. G. Clark (16), Past Grand Wardens, H. A. Martin (29),
A. R. Joyce (17), Mansfield Askew (14), also many members of Lodges
far and near.
The funeral procession in charge of Grand Marshall J. W. Rhoads
(2), moved at 1 p. m. from North Star Hall to St. Paul, A. M. E. Church
where the body lay in state.
SERVICES AT ST. PAUL CHURCH
The service was held at St. Paul A. M. E. Church, where Grand

Master Thompson had made his last public address to the 43rd
annual communication of the Grand Lodge just a little more than one
week before his passing but at which time he was so weak that he
209
had to be supported by two brethren during the three minutes that

he stood on the rostrum.
The vast auditorium was well filled with members of the Grand
Lodge and of practically every subordinate lodge of the state; a large
delegation from both the grand and several subordinate chapters of
the Order of the Eastern Star, of which he was a Past Grand Patron,
which delegation included both the Grand Matron, Mrs. Maud M.
Brewton, of Mason City, and the Grand Worthy Patron, Mr. Thomas
Lighons of Albia, also Past Grand Matron, Georgia B. Cheatham of
Waterloo and Past Grand Patron, M. F. Askew of Sioux City.
FOUR DELIVER EULOGIES
The service contained no sermon, but consisted of four brief

eulogies upon the four phases of life work in which the deceased was
most active, viz. "Thompson As a Business and Professional Man," by
Atty. H. R. Wright, representing the Iowa Negro Bar association, of
which he was a past president; "Thompson As a Community Worker,"
by Mrs. Lillian Edmunds, executive secretary of the Community
Center, in which he had conducted for more than ten years the only
Negro troop of Boy Scouts in the city-, "Thompson As a Fraternal
Leader," by Past Grand Master A. G. Clark and Past Grand Master S.
Joe Brown, and "Thompson As a Churchman," by Rev. G. W.
Robinson, pastor of Corinthian Baptist Church of which his only
daughter, Mrs. Enola Thompson Clark, is a member.
Musical numbers were rendered by a chorus consisting of the
combined choirs of St. Paul and Corinthian Churches, under the
direction of Prof. F. G. Goggins Of the Corinthian Church, with solos
contributed by Mr. Sumerville.
The resolutions being too numerous to be read, were only
announced, giving the name of the sender or organization
represented by it.
BOY SCOUTS IMPRESSIVE
Troop 59 of Boy Scouts, which was organized by Mr. Thompson

and directed by him either as scoutmaster or a committee chairman
up to the time of his passing, were present and stood at attention
while present Scoutmaster S. A. Walker read their resolution; after
which Rev. W. E. Guy, who acted as master of ceremonies, turned the
service over to the United Brothers of Friendship and Sisters of the
Mysterious Ten, of which deceased was worthy master at the time of
his passing, and they performed their ritualistic burial service; after
which the service was turned over to Grand Master Williams, who
presented Past Grand Master W. W. Gross, who in a most impressive
210
manner conducted the ritualistic burial services of the Grand Lodge

of Free and Accepted Masons. Following the ceremonies the
procession was formed for the sad trip to the cemetery, the King
Solomon Commandery of Knights Templar, No. 2, of which deceased
was a past commander, acting as active and the past grand masters
as honorary pall bearers.
BURIED AT WOODLAND
Interment was made in Woodland cemetery alongside his half

brother, Past Grand Master J. H. Shepard, and the Grand Lodge
returned to the hall, where another symposium of eulogies was
indulged in, led by Grand Master Williams and Past Grand Master
Brown, and participated in by practically every one present, the
burden of each which was that Past Grand Master Thompson had
lived an exemplary Christian and Masonic life and that the desire of
the speaker was to try to emulate his most worthy example.
The Grand Lodge was then closed in ample form.
H. E. WILLIAMS, Grand Master,
(Chapter VI continued by S. Joe Brown)

FORTY-FOURTH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, July 15, 1931

The Forty-Fourth Annual Communication was held at Cedar

Rapids, Iowa, and after a very successful School of Instruction
conducted by Rt. W. Bro. Wm. Oney, Grand Custodian on July 13th
and Tuesday, July 14th, 1931, The Grand Lodge proper was opened on
Wednesday, July 15, 1931, with the M. Grand Master Henry E.
Williams (4) presiding and the other stations filled as follows:
S. G. W., Horace Spencer (34); J. G. W., W. E. Sample (19); G.
Treas., N. L. Black (41), G. Sec., F. S. Johnson (1), Dept. G. M., H. B.
Smith (19); Grand Chap., R. R. Crayton (41); S. G. D., Rice Lintz (4); J.
G. D., Harvey Spencer (34); S. G. S., E. J. Steward (2); J. G. S., W. C.
Buice (44); Grand Marshall, John W. Rhodes (2); Grand Standard
Bearer, F. Clayton (17); Grand Sw. Bearer, Carl Pleasant (3), Master of
Ceremonies, J. W. Wilson (1); Grand Tyler, R. N. Black (1); Grand
Auditor, Thos. Lighons (18); C. C. F. C., W. W. Gross (1); Chm. on
Returns, C. T. Culberson (21); Chm. on Jurisprudence, S. Joe Brown
(30) and Deputy G. Sec., Jas. B. Mitchell (1).
211
In his Annual Address the Grand Master paid tribute to twenty

brethren who had passed away since the last Grand Communication
among whom was Past Grand Master John D. Reeler, who at the time
of his passing was the Senior Past Grand Master, having been elected
in 1893.
The Grand Master also paid a glowing tribute to the work of the
Electra Grand Chapter of 0. E. S. under the administration of Worthy
Grand Matron Maud Brewton and urged the formation of a Juvenile
Department for the youth of the Jurisdiction.
At this session was approved for the amending of the Constitution
so as to require the opening of the Grand Lodge on Monday Morning
and turning it over to the Grand Custodian for School of Instruction
Monday afternoon and Tuesday, so that the School instead of
preceding, should become a part of the Grand Lodge proper.
Under the provisions of the Constitution this resolution after
having been approved was laid over for final action at the next Grand
Session.
The report of the Grand Auditor showed the sum of $2,205
disbursed on account of relief to relatives of deceased brethren and a
balance in the Relief Treasury of $1,795.34. There were sixteen Lodges
represented at this session,
The Committee on Grand Lodge History reported that they had
secured estimates on the cost of publication of five hundred copies
at about $1,100 and recommended that P. G. M. Clark be allowed an
additional seventy-five dollars for continuing the History from the
Grand Lodge of 1928 to the Grand Lodge of 1930, and that a price be
set upon the Histories of $2.00 each.
At the close of the session the following grand officers were
elected and appointed: Grand Master, Henry B. Smith (19); S. G. W.,
John W. Rhodes (2); J. G. W., A. 0. Powell (39); G. Treas. N. L. Black
(41); G. Sec., F. S. Johnson (1); G. Custodian, Leland Green (14);
Deputy. G. M., Wm. M. Oney (30); G. Chap., H. R. Crayton (41); S. G.
D., B. F. Hopkins (19); J. G. D., J. W. Wilson (1); S. G. S., Carl Pleasant
(3); J. G. S., Joe Edmonds (18); Grand Marshall, R. H. Black (17);
Standard Bearer, F. F. Johnson (20); Sw. Bearer, E. J. Stewart (21);
Master of Ceremonies, Harvey Spencer (34); Grand Pursuivant, J. W.
McWilliams (39); Grand Tyler, W. C. Horne (4); Deputy G. Sec., Jas. B.
Mitchell (2); Chm. on Foreign Correspondence, W. W. Gross (1); Chm.
on jurisprudence, S. Joe Brown (30); Chm. on Returns, C. T.
Culberson (21) and Grand Auditor, Thos. Lighons (18).
These officers having been installed by Past Grand Master S. Joe
Brown, the Grand Lodge was closed in ample form to meet in
Ottumwa in July, 1932.
HENRY B. SMITH, Grand Master,
212
FORTY-FIFTH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION

Ottumwa, Iowa, July 15, 1932
BRO. HENRY B. SMITH, Grand Master

The Forty-Fifth Annual Communication was held at Ottumwa, and

opened on Wednesday, July 13th, 1932, after a two day School of
Instruction conducted by the Rt. W. Grand Custodian, Leland Green.
M. W., Brother Henry B. Smith (19), opened the Grand Lodge with
the other stations filled as follows:
S.G.W., John Rhodes (2); J. G. W., A. 0. Powell (39); G. Treas., N. L.
Black (41); G. Sec., F. S. Johnson (1); G. Custodian, Leland Green (14);
Deputy Grand Master, D. N. Crossthwait, Jr. (20); G. Chaplain, H. R.
Crayton (41); S. G. D., T. M. Kelley (2); J. G. D., L. J. Henry (19); S. G.
Steward, W. M. Davis (4); J. G. Steward, V. 0. Culberson (21); G.
Marshall, C. C. Johnson (30); G. St. Bearer, W. C. Buice (44); G. Sw.
Bearer, Branham N. Hyde (2); G. Pursuivant, J. P. McWilliams (39), G.
Master of Ceremonies, Harvey Spencer (34); G. Tyler, Rice Lintz (4); C.
Auditor, Thos. Lighons (18); Chm. of Foreign Correspondence, W. W.
Gross (1); Chm. on Returns, C. T. Culberson (21) and Chm. on
Jurisprudence, S. Joe Brown (30),
There were present five Past Grand Masters in the persons of M.
W. Bros. I. L. Brown (20); S. Joe Brown (30), W. W. Gross (1); A. G.
Clark (16) and H. E. Williams (4); and pursuant to a time honored
custom in this Grand Jurisdiction M. W. Bro. H. E. Williams retiring
Grand Master was presented with the official Past Grand Master's
Apron.
In his Annual Address the Grand Master paid tribute to the lives
of sixteen brethren who had been called to eternal refreshment since
the last Grand Session and made special reference to the passing
since last Grand Session of M. W. Bro. H. R. Butler, Grand Master of
the Georgia jurisdiction, whom he said was the senior of all presiding
Prince Hall Grand Masters at the time of his passing, and reported
having laid a cornerstone for Bethel A. M. E. Church at Cedar Rapids
with the assistance of the brethren of Mt. Olive Lodge No. 1,7 of that
city; and the arresting of the Warrant of Twin City Lodge at Council
Bluffs because of the depleted condition of its finances; and the
extending of Masonic Charity to a widow of a deceased member of
North Star Lodge No. 2, who was then residing in Kansas City, Mo.
The resolution approved at the last Annual Communication setting
the opening of the Grand Lodge for Monday before instead of
213
Wednesday following the second Tuesday in July was again approved

and declared duly adopted.
The report of the Grand Auditor showed the disbursement of

$1,600 to dependents of deceased brethren and a balance in the Relief
Treasury of $1,671.87.
FORTY-SIXTH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION
In accordance with the enactment of the last Grand Communica-

tion, the Grand Lodge was opened in Mason City on Monday
morning, July 12th, 1933, with Grand Master Henry B. Smith (19)
presiding and other stations filled as follows: S. G. W., Percy W.
Parker (34); J. G. W., A. C. Powell (39); G. Treas. Branham N. Hyde (2);
Acting G. Sec. C. T., Culberson (21); G. Custodian, Rice Lintz (4);
Dept. G. M., D. N. Crossthwait, Jr. (20); G. Chap., Thos Lighons (18);
S. G. D., J. W. Smith (30); J. C. D., R. W. Brown (34); S. G. S., T. M.
Kelley (2) ; J. G. S., J. C. Wells (29); G. Marshall, C. C. Johnson (30);
Grand Sword Bearer, J. A. Ashford (34) and G. Tyler, W. C. Buice (44).
The Grand Secretary F. S. Johnson was unable to be present
because of the critical illness of his aged mother and soon after the
opening of the Grand Session a telegram was received announcing her
death and the Grand Lodge directed the Acting Grand Secretary to
send to the Grand Secretary a message conveying the sympathy of the
brethren in his bereavement.
The Grand Master in his Annual Address deplored the passing of
twenty-one brethren since the last Grand Session; and reported the
laying of a cornerstone for the Maple St. Baptist Church at Des
Moines by Past Grand Master, S. Joe Brown, assisted by the brethren
of North Star, Doric and Cedar Valley Lodges, on Nov. 20th, 1932, he
having been commissioned by the Grand Master to convene an
occasional Grand Lodge for that purpose.
There were five Past Grand Masters present in the persons of M.
W. Brothers 1. L. Brown (20), S. Joe Brown (30), W. W. Gross (1), A.
G. Clark (16), and H. E. Williams (4),
The Grand Auditor reported the sum of $2,258.11 had been paid to
dependents of deceased brethren and the sum of $2,000 paid on
burial expenses during the year, leaving the sum of $2,339.91 in the
Relief Treasury and $718.77 in the Burial Treasury.
The Committee on Fraternal Dead offered a special resolution of
condolence upon the passing on Nov. 25th, 1932, of Past Grand
Master A. A. Martin of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Illinois and
Jurisdiction; and recommended a special page in the Grand Lodge
Proceedings in his memory.
214
An invitation for the holding of the next Grand Session at

Waterloo was extended but later having been withdrawn, the Grand
Lodge unanimously voted to hold its next Communication as the
joint guest of North Star No. 2, Doric No. 30 and Cedar Valley No. 44.
The following Grand Officers were elected and appointed: Grand
Master, H. A. Martin (29); S. G. W., C. C. Johnson (30,); J. G. W.,
Harvey Spencer (34); G. Treas., Branham N. Hyde (2); G. Sec., F. S.
Johnson (1); G. Custodian, Rice Lintz (4); Deputy Grand Master, John
W. Rhodes (2), Grand Chaplain, Thos. Lighons (18); S. G. D., T. N4.
Kelley (2); J. G. D., M. L. Ewing (34); S. G. S., Wilbur Toney (21); J. C.
S., B. F. Weldon (1); G. Marshall, Wm. Percy Parker (34); G. Standard
Bearer, W. C. Buice (44); G. Sword Bearer, A. H. Hyland (35); G. Pur-
suivant, N. A. Raglin (30); G. Master of Ceremonies, A. 0. Powell (39);
G. Tyler, J. W. Smith (30); G. Auditor, L. D. Lowery (17); Chm. on
Foreign Correspondence, W. W. Gross (1); Chm. on Returns, C. T.
Culberson (21); Chm. on Jurisprudence, S. Joe Brown (30); Chm. on
Grand Officers' Addresses, H. B. Smith (19). These officers were duly
installed by Past Grand Master, Henry B. Smith and the Grand Lodge
was closed in Ample Form.
HENRY A. MARTIN, Grind Master.
FORTY-SEVENTH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION
The forty-seventh Grand Communication was hold in St. Paul A. M. E.

Church, Des Moines, and was opened on July 11th, 1934, by Grand
Master Henry A. Martin (29), with the other stations being filled as
follows: S. G. W., C. C. Johnson (30); J. G. W., Harvey Spencer (34) G.
Treas., Branham N. Hyde (2); G. Sec., F. S. Johnson (1); G. Custodian,
Rice Lintz (4); Deputy G. Master, John W. Rhodes (2); G. Chap., Thos.
Lighons (18) - S. G. D., T. M. Kelley (2): J. G. D., 1. J. Caldwell (32); S.
G. S., J. S. Beverly (2); J. G. S., B. F. Weldon (1); C. Marshall, Wm.
Percy Parker (34); 0. St, Bearer, W. C. Buice (44); G. Sw. Bearer, Horace
Spencer (34); Grand Pursuivant, Jeff Martin (44); Master of
Ceremonies, Walter Thompson (39); G. Tyler, J. W. Smith (30); G.
Auditor, L. D. Lowry (17); Chm. on Foreign Correspondence, W. W.
Gross (1); Chm. on Returns, C. T. Culberson (21); Chm. on
Jurisprudence, S. Joe Brown (10): Chm. on Grand Officers' Addresses,
A. G. Clark (16) and Deputy G. Sec., C. T. Culberson (21).
Five Past Grand Masters were presented in the persons of M. W.
Brothers: T. L. Brown (20); S. Joe Brown (30); W. W. Gross (1); A. G.
Clark (16); and H. E. Williams (4). Past Grand Master Henry B. Smith
was reported quite ill and a resolution of regrets was passed.
In his Annual Address the Grand Master reported the passing of
eighteen brethren since last Grand Session; also reported the
215
appointment of a committee on juvenile Department consisting of

Past Grand Masters, S. Joe Brown, H. E. Williams and Deputy Grand
Master John W. Rhodes, which committee later reported
recommending the adoption of the Order of Constantine, which
recommendation was adopted by the Grand Lodge.
The report of the Grand Auditor showed that the sum of $1,900
had been distributed among the dependent relatives of deceased
brethren and the further sum of $1,900 paid upon their funerals
leaving a balance of $2,347.41 in the Relief Treasury and $726.27 in the
Burial Fund.
Upon recommendation of the Grand Auditors a special
assessment was levied upon each member for a period of three years.
The Grand Lodge unanimously voted to hold its next Session with
Union Lodge in Keokuk.
The following Grand Officers were elected and appointed for the
ensuing year:
Grand Master, Henry A. Martin (29); S. G. W., J. W. Smith

(30); J. G. W., Russell Downey (4); G. Treas., Branham N.
Hyde (2); G. Sec., F. S. Johnson (1); G. Custodian, Horace
Spencer (34); Deputy C. Master, John W. Rhodes (2); G.
Chap., Thos. Lighons (18); S. G. D., Geo. W. Perkins (17); J.
G. D., Roy McAllister (34); S. G. S., J. W. Young (19); J. C. S.,
R. W. Franklin (16) G. Marshall, C. C. Johnson (30) ; G. St.
Bearer, Walter Thompson (39); G. Sw. Bearer, 1. J. Caldwell
(12); G. Pursuivant, Jeff Martin (44); C. Master of
Ceremonies, A, 0. Powell (39); G. Auditor, L. D. Lowery (17);
C. Tyler, B. F. Wellington (1); Chm. on Foreign
Correspondence, W. W. Gross (1); Chm. on Returns, C. T.
Culberson (21); Chm. on Jurisprudence, 1. L. Brown (20);
Chm. of Grand Officers' Addresses, A. G. Clark (16)
These officers having been duly installed by Past Grand Master S.

Joe Brown, Grand Master Martin closed the Grand Lodge in Ample
Form.
FORTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION
The forty-eighth annual communication was held in Keokuk and

was opened by Grand Master Henry A. Martin (29) on July 9th, 1935,
with the other stations filled as follows:
S. G. W., J. W. Smith (30); J. G. W., N. L. Black (39) acting;

G. Treas., Branham N. Hyde (2); G. Sec., P. S. Johnson (1); G.
Custodian, Horace Spencer (34); Deputy G. M., John W.
216
Rhodes (2); G. Chap. Thos. Lighons (18); S. G. D., Geo.

Perkins (17); J. G. D., Doc Robinson (35); S. G. S., E. A,
Martin (34); J. G. S., Wm. Lewis (4); G. Marshall, Jake L.
Nelson (3); G. St. Bearer, Holland Williams (21); G. Sw.
Bearer, R. A. Wilburn (2); G. Pursuivant, Wm. H. Smith (1); G.
Master of Ceremonies, W. M. Rhodes (30); G. Tyler, Benj.
Weldon (1); G. Auditor, L. D. Lowery (17); Chm. of Foreign
Correspondence, W. W. Gross (1); Chm. on Jurisprudence, 1.
L. Brown (20); Chm. on Grand Officer Addresses, A. C. Clark
(16).
Six Past Grand Masters were present in the persons of M.

Brothers 1. L. Brown (20); S. Joe Brown (30); W. W. Gross (1): H. E.
Williams (4); A. G. Clark (16); and Henry B. Smith (19);
The Grand Master in his Annual Address paid tribute to eighteen
brethren who had passed since the last Grand Session and made
special mention of the passing during the year of Past Grand Master
Jos. P. Evans of the Maryland jurisdiction.
The Grand Master also reported the failure of the bank in which
were deposited the funds of the Grand Lodge and made several
recommendations for the rehabilitation of the Grand Lodge Treasury;
and also urged the full support of the Committee appointed at list
Grand Session to institute the youth department to be known as the
Circle of Constantine. The Grand Auditor reported the sum of $1,400
distributed during the year to the dependent relatives of deceased
brethren and the sum of $1,600 paid upon their funeral expenses
leaving a balance of only $2,502.40 in the Relief Fund and only $625 in
the Burial fund.
The Committee in charge of the Youth Department made a report
containing detailed information regarding the organization and rag-
alia for the Youth Department, which was adopted by the Grand
Lodge, following which they conferred the degree upon all the
brethren and deputized each of them to organize a Circle as an
auxiliary to his own Lodge.
Upon invitation from Sumner Lodge No. 3, supported by one from
St. Elmo Chapter No. 3 of the 0. E. S., the Grand Lodge unanimously
voted to hold its next Grand Session in Burlington.
The following Grand Officers were elected and appointed:
Grand Master, H. A. Martin (29); S. G. W., J. W. Young (19);

G. W., Wilbert L. Toney (21); G. Treas., Branham N. Hyde (2);
G. Sec., F. S. Johnson (1); G. Custodian, Jake L. Nelson (3),
Deputy G. Master, John W. Rhodes (2); G. Chaplain, J. W.
Smith (30); S. G. D., Geo. Perkins (17); J. G. D., L. J. Henry
(1.9); S. G. S., Walter Thompson (39); J. G. S., E. C. Martin
217
(34); G. Marshall, W. M. Rhodes (30); G. St. Bearer, Wm.

Lewis (4); G. Sw. Bearer, A. C. Anderson (43); C. Pursuivant,
Edward Sample (19); G. Master of Ceremonies, Rice Lintz (4);
G. Tyler, F. A. Pleasant (3); G. Auditor, Thos. Lighons (18);
Chm. on Foreign Correspondence, N. L. Black (39); Chm. on
Returns, C. T. Culberson (21); Chm. on Jurisprudence, S. Joe
Brown (30) and Chm. on Grand Officers' Addresses, Horace
Spencer (34),
These officers having been installed by Past Grand Master, S. Joe

Brown, the Grand Master closed the Grand Lodge in Ample Form.
HENRY A. MARTIN, Grand Master.
FORTY-NINTH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION
On the second Tuesday in July, being the 14th, 1936, the Grand
Lodge was opened in a spacious hall provided by Sumner Lodge No. 3
at Burlington with stations filled as follows:
Grand Master, Henry A. Martin (29); S. G. W., J. W. Young

(19); J. G. W., W. L. Toney (21); G. Treas., Branham N. Hyde
(2); G. Sec., S. F. Johnson (1); G. Custodian, Jake L. Nelson
(3); Deputy G. M., John W. Rhodes (2); G. Chap., J. W. Smith
(30); S. C. D., Geo. Perkins (17); J. G. D., L. J. Henry (19); G. J.
S., Geo. H. Edmunds (30); G. J. S., E. C. Martin (34); G.
Marshall, Wm. M. Rhodes (30); G. St. Bearer, F. E. Caldwell
(29); G. Sw. Bearer, Holland Williams (21); Grand Pursuivant,
T. M. Kelley (2); G. Master of Ceremonies, Rice Lintz (4); G.
Tyler, F. A. Pleasant (3) Chm. on Foreign Correspondence, N.
L. Black (39); Chm. on Jurisprudence, S. Joe Brown (30);
Chm. on Returns, C. T. Culberson (21); Chm. on Grand
Officers' Addresses, Horace Spencer (34) and Grand Auditor,
Percy Parker (34).
Three Past Grand Masters were present in the persons of M. W.

Brothers I. L. Brown (20); S. Joe Brown (30) and W. W. Gross (1).
In his Annual Address the Grand Master paid tribute to nine
brethren who had passed on since last Grand Session with special
reference to the passing of his immediate predecessor, M. W. Bro.
Henry B. Smith and appointed Past Grand Master W. W. Gross to
deliver the eulogy upon his life and work at the Grand Lodge of
Sorrow, which was held on the following evening and reported his
attendance upon a Memorial Meeting held by the Grand of Maryland
held in Baltimore Aug. 6th, 1935, in memory of M. W. Bro. W. H.
218
Upton (white) former District judge and Past Grand Master of the
State of Washington, and author of that immortal book "The
Legitimacy of Negro Masonry," in which he unquestionably proved
that our work was as legitimate if not more so, than that of the white
Masons in the U. S.
The Grand Auditor's report showed the sum of $800 distributed to
dependents of deceased brethren and the sum of $600 paid upon
their funeral expenses and a balance in the combined Relief and
Burial Treasury of $2,994.02,
A telegram was received from Past Grand Master A. G. Clark,
announcing that his absence was caused by the serious illness of his
devoted wife and a telegram of sympathy was sent to him in reply.
Upon motion of Rt. W. Bro. Horace Spencer, the Grand Lodge
passed a resolution commending Past Grand Master S. Joe Brown,
upon having been appointed Assistant City Solicitor of the City of
Des Moines.
Past Grand Master Gross, called attention to the fact that next
year would be the fiftieth anniversary of the organization of this
Grand Lodge and moved that a special committee be appointed to
make arrangements for a suitable celebration of the occasion. The
Grand Master appointed as such committee, Past Grand Master W.
W. Gross (1), Past Grand Master S. Joe Brown (30), and Past Grand
Custodian Wm. Bell (35).
An invitation from St. John Lodge No. 35 to hold the next Annual
Communication at Waterloo had been accepted; but after the matter
of celebration of the 50th Anniversary had been decided upon, the
matter was reconsidered and it was unanimously voted to hold it in
Des Moines, the birth place of the Grand Lodge.
The following officers were elected and appointed for the ensuing
year:
Grand Master, F. S. Johnson (1); S. G. W., W. M. Rhodes (30);

J. G. W., A. C. Anderson (43); G. Treas., Branham N. Hyde (2);
G. Sec., C. T. Culberson (21); G. Custodian, Jake L. Nelson
(3); Deputy G. M., Geo. L. Suter (20); G. Chap., J. S. Beverly,
Sr. (2); S. G. D., F. E. Caldwell (29); J. G. D., Wilbur L. Toney
(21); S. G. S., Rince Lince (4); J. G. S., Geo. W. Perkins (17); G.
Marshall, W. C. Buice (44); G. St. Bearer, L. J. Henry (19); G.
Sw. Bearer, L. Hockerday (19); G. Pursuivant, B. F. Weldon
(1); G. Master of Ceremonies, Wm. Bell (35); C. Tyler, G. H.
Edmunds (30); G. Auditor, Wm. Percy Parker (34); Chm. on
Foreign Correspondence, N. L. Black (39), Chm. on Returns,
T. M. Kelley (2); Chm. on Jurisprudence, S. Joe Brown (30);
Chm. on Grand Officers' Addresses, A. G. Clark (16).
219
These officers were installed by Past Grand Master S. Joe Brown

and the Grand Master closed the Grand Lodge in ample form.
F. S. JOHNSON, Grand Master
C. T. CULBERSON, Grand Secretary.
GOLDEN JUBILEE SESSION
In accordance with the resolution passed at its last Annual

Communication, the Grand Lodge assembled in Des Moines for its
Golden Jubilee which was held in the Billiken Hall, a spacious
building owned by Bro. J. W. Mitchell, a member of our race, which
hall was fully equipped for the convenience of the brethren and
capable of housing all the sessions except the Welcome Program and
the Jubilee Banquet and the 0. E. S. Pageant, which were held in the
spacious St. Paul A. M. E. Church.
On Monday, July 12th, 1937, Rt. W. Grand Custodian Jake L.
Nelson conducted the Grand Lodge School of Instruction in which he
exemplified the work of the three degrees ably assisted by Rt. W. Bro.
A. R. Joyce (17), acting as W. M. in the first and Rt. W. Bro. Fred
Garwood (34) in the second.
On Tuesday, July 13, Grand Master Johnson (1) opened the Grand
Lodge proper with the other stations filled as follows: S. G. W., Wm.
M. Rhodes (30); J. G. W., A. C. Anderson (43); G. Treas., Branham N.
Hyde (2); G. Sec., C. T. Culberson (21); G. Custodian, Jake L. Nelson
(3); Deputy G. M., John W. Rhodes (acting); G. Chap., J. S. Beverly, Sr.
(2); S. G. D., D. E. White (3); J. G. D., W. L. Toney (21); S. G. S., Rice
Lince (4); J. G. S., C. S. Lee (17); G. Marshall, W. C. Buice (44); G. Sw.
Bearer, L. J. Henry (19); G. St. Bearer, G. H. Clark (43); G. Pursuivant,
B. F. Weldon (1); G. Master of Ceremonies, Grant Anderson (35); G.
Tyler, F. D. Bland (1) (acting); Chm. on Foreign Correspondence, N. L.
Black (39); Chm. on Jurisprudence, S. Joe Brown (30); Chm. on Grand
Officers' Addresses, A. G. Clark (16); G. Auditor, Percy Parker (34) and
Deputy G. Sec., Jas. B. Mitchell (2).
Six Past Grand Masters were present in the persons of M. W.
Brothers I. L. Brown (20); S. Joe Brown (30); W. W. Gross (1); H. E.
Williams (4); A. 0. Clark (16) and H. A. Martin (29); and Past Grand
Master Martin was presented with the official Past Grand Master's
Apron in keeping with the custom of this Jurisdiction, since 1916.
In his Annual Address the Grand Master paid a glowing tribute to
the occasion and commended the committee who had made such
elaborate preparations for it, and the work of the fathers who
organized this Grand Lodge a half century ago.
He also deplored the passing since last Grand Session of eleven
brethren including two Past Grand Wardens, Rt. W. Bro. Wm. Turner
220
(19), Past Junior Grand Warden and Rt. W. Bro. J. W. Smith (20), Past
Senior Grand Warden.
Jubilee Program
On Monday afternoon promptly at 2 o'clock the Grand Lodge

formed and marched in triumphal procession to the St. Paul A. M. E.
Church just a block away where the Golden Jubilee Exercises were
held, presided over by Grand Treasurer Branham N. Hyde (2),
chairman of the local Committee on Arrangements and where an
address of Welcome was given by His Honor Mayor J. H. Allen, who
had appointed Past Grand Master Brown as Assistant City Solicitor, a
year previously, responded to by Past Grand Master H. E. Williams
(4) and the History of the Grand Lodge was given by Past Grand
Master Gross and musical numbers were rendered by a choir
composed of Sisters of the Order of Eastern Star,
At six o'clock the meeting was adjourned to the dining hall of' the
church, where a delectable banquet was served by the Sisters of the
0. E. S. after which we returned to the auditorium and the Jubilee
Program was continued by another Address of Welcome on behalf of
the 0. E. S. by Sister Mattie R. Gould, Worthy Grand Matron and the
Golden Jubilee Address was delivered by M. W. Bro. Jose H.
Sherwood, Past Grand Master of the Grind Lodge of Minnesota
(Prince Hall Affiliation) and other musical numbers were rendered by
the 0. E. S. Chorus.
On Wednesday afternoon the Grand Lodge was presented a basket
of flowers by a committee of Sisters of the 0. E. S. consisting of Sister
Kathryn Shelton, Worthy Matron of Princess Oziel Chapter No. 9, and
Sister Jessye Bell Davis, Worthy Matron of Princess Zorah Chapter
No. 10 and Sister Gertrude Harris of the Illinois jurisdiction.
At this session an unusual event occurred in that a committee of
Knights of Pythias, Bros. Thos. Lighons, Past Grand Chancellor; Paul
D. Goodloe, Grand Keeper of Record and N. L. Black, a Past
Chancellor, all of whom are also members of the Grand Lodge of A. F.
& A. M., presented to the Grand Master a gold mounted gavel
suitably engraved to commemorate the cordial fraternal relationship
that existed between these two fraternities on this the Golden
Anniversary of the United Grand Lodge of A, F. & A. M.
The Grand Auditor reported that the sum of $825.00 had been
disbursed to the dependents of deceased brethren since last Grand
Session and that the sum of $825 had been paid on their funeral
expenses, leaving in the Relief fund a balance of $3,140.36 and in the
Burial Fund the sum of $1,513.18, and recommended that the extra
$1.00 assessment be continued for another year, which
recommendation was adopted.
221
0. E. S. Pageant Presented
On Wednesday the members of the Grand Lodge were given a real

treat in the presentation of the musical drama "Esther," which was
put on in the auditorium of St. Paul Church jointly by the three 0, E.
S. Chapters, Princess Ozeil No. 9; Princess Zorah No. 10 and Olive
Branch No. 32, depicting the story of Esther the beautiful Jewess who
became Queen of Babylonia, during the captivity and who is one of
the five heroines around the history of whose lives the Order of
Eastern Star is built and featuring a mammoth chorus of seventy-five
voices, which was dramatized by Past Grand Master Brown, with the
music being directed by Bro. G. H. Mason, a member of North Star
Lodge No. 2 and which proved a fitting climax to this Golden Jubilee
Celebration.
The following Officers were elected and appointed for the ensuing
year:
Grand Master, F. S. Johnson (1); S. G. W., W.-M. Rhodes (;0);

J. G. W., L. J. Henry (19); G. Treas., Branham N. Hyde (2); G.
Sec., C. T. Culberson (21); G. Custodian, A. R. Joyce (17),
Deputy G. M., D. N. Crossthwait, Jr. (20); G. Chap., J. H.
Harris (17); S. G. D., M. W. Beckley (3); J. G. D., Wallace Davis
(4); S. C. S., Wm. Williams (21); J. G. S., Dan S. Anderson
(35); G. Marshall, Paul D. Goodloe (30): G. St. Bearer, 1. J.
Caldwell (32); G. Sw. Bearer, Fred Garwood (34); G.
Pursuivant, Wm. H. Smith (1); G. Master of Ceremonies, Carl
M. Mays (2); G. Tyler, W. H. Lavell (17); C. Auditor, Wm.
Percy Parker (34); Chm. of Foreign Correspondence, N. L.
Black (39); Chm. on Returns, T. M. Kelley (2); Chm. on
jurisprudence, S. Joe Brown (30); Chm. on Grand Officers'
Addresses, A. G. Clark (16).
These officers were installed by Past Grand Master, S. Joe Brown

and the Grand Master closed the Golden jubilee Session in Ample
Form.
F. S. JOHNSON, Grand Master
On July 12, 1936, the representatives of the several Lodges

assembled in Cedar Rapids in the hall provided by Mt. Olive Lodge
No. 17 at 10 A. M.
The Grand Master having ascertained the presence of
representatives of a constitutional number of Lodges, proceeded to
fill the stations as follows:
222
Grand Master, F. S. Johnson (1); S. G. W., Wm. Rhodes (30)

J. G. W., L. J. Henry (19); G. Treas., B. N. Hyde (2); G. Sec., C.
T. Culberson (21) -1 G. Custodian, A. T. Joyce (17); Deputy G.
M. (acting), R. S. Taylor (19); G. Chap., B. F. Weldon (1); S. G.
D., Montrose Beckley (3); J. G. D., Wallace Davis (4); S. G. S.
(acting), Holland Williams (21); J. G. S. (acting), Calvin
Johnson (17); G. Sw. Bearer (acting), Fred Garwood (34); G.
St. Bearer (acting) Ed Bains (39); G. Pursuivant (acting), De
Edwin White (3); G. Master of Ceremonies, Carl M. Mays (2);
G. Tyler, W. H. Lavelle (17); C. C. F. C., N. L. Black (39); G.
Auditor, Percy Parker (34); Deputy G. Sec., Jas. B. Mitchell
(2),
and appointed the following committees:

On Returns: Maurice Kelley (2); on Jurisprudence, S. Joe Brown
(30); on Grand Officers' Addresses, A, G. Clark; on Credentials; Percy
Parker (34), W. L. Toney (21); on Dispensations and Charters: Carl M.
Mays (2), and De Edwin White (3); on Publicity: W. C. Buice (44), and
Geo. Ashby (17); on Fraternal Dead: Wallace Davis (4); on Resolution
s; Rice Lintz (4), Fred Garwood (34) and Chas S. Owens (1); and on
Appeals and Grievances: Jake Nelson (3) and A. C. Anderson (43),
The Grand Master then read his Annual Address giving in detail an
account of his official acts and referring in a very touching manner to
the passing of nineteen brethren since last communication with
special reference to late Brothers John Rhodes, Past Deputy Grand
Master, and Luther Lowery, Past Senior Grand Warden, which
address was on motion referred to the proper committee. -
The hour of 12 noon having arrived, the Grand Lodge was called to
recreation until 9 A. M. tomorrow.
Second Day Morning Session
The Grand Lodge resumed labor it 9 A. M. and the report of Past

Grand Master on the juvenile Department, the Order of Constantine
was read and approved.
The Grand Master having been informed that a committee of
Sisters from the Order of Eastern Star craved admission, the Grand
Lodge was called to refreshment and the committee consisting of
Past Grand Matron Maude Brewton, Worthy Grand Matron, Julia E.
Reed of Electa Grand Chapter and Sisters Mary Walker and Rosie
Johnson of Silver Leaf Chapter presented flowers on behalf of the
Electa Grand Chapter and Silver Leaf Chapter respectively, which were
received with appropriate remarks and on motion a committee was
appointed to place them on the grave of Past Grand Master and Past
Grand Patron W. H. Milligan who is buried in Cedar Rapids.
223
P. G. M. Presented
Labor was then resumed and there was presented P. G. M.'s H. E.
Williams (4); S. Joe Brown (30); W. W. Gross (1) and A. G. Clark (4),
each of whom made brief remarks; and Bro. W. W. Gross submitted
his detailed report as Chairman of the Committee in charge of the
Golden jubilee celebration held in connection with our last Grand
Communication at Des Moines, which report was approved by the
Grand Lodge.
Br. Albert Gater, a Past Grand Custodian was presented and made
appropriate remarks. The Committee On Resolutions made their
report which was adopted and the Grand Lodge was called to
refreshment until 2 P. M.
Second Day-Afternoon Session
'The Grand Lodge resumed labor at 2:24 P. after which it was

called to refreshment and received a beautiful basket of flowers
presented by Sister Ella Joyce on behalf of Rebecca Chapter No. 33 0,
E. S.
Labor was again resumed and the report was received from the
Committee on Jurisprudence, which was adopted.
The Committee on Fraternal Dead reported that since our last
Annual Communication the following brethren have passed on: Bros.
John Rhodes (2); Geo. R. Robinson (17); Harrison Gould (2), Earl
Dunn (44); S. S. Sullivan (44); Harry Smith (34), Lowery (17); Geo.
Taylor (18); W. D. Crawford (18); Chas Dorsey (17); J. C. Wells (29);
Frances Hackley (14); W. J. Jones (35); Rev. J. P. Sims, (19); Chas. A.
Banks (17); Philip Gomer (17); Albert Walker (20); Chas S. Ruff (2); Jeff
Martin (44); and recommended that a Grand Lodge of Sorrow be held
for them at Mt. Zion Baptist Church this evening at 8 o'clock, which
recommendation was adopted; and the Grand Lodge was called to
recreation until tomorrow at 9 A. M.
Third Day--Morning Session
The Grand Lodge resumed labor at 9 A. M. and the minutes of the

preceding day read and adopted. P. G. M.'s I. L. Brown and H. A.
Martin were presented and given Grand Honors as were also P. M.'s
French Bland (1) and Alex Wilburn (2), both of whom were charter
members of this Grand Lodge.
The Board of Custodians made their report which was adopted.
Bro. N. L. Black, C. C. F. C., also made his report which was received
and filed.
224
Upon the invitation of Golden Star Lodge No. 4 it was voted to

hold our 52nd Grand Communication in Ottumwa.
Past Grand Secretary and Senior Grand Warden Geo. L. Suter (20),
was presented and received with Grand Honors.
The Committee consisting of P. G. M.'s, S. Joe Brown, I. L. Brown
and H. E. Williams reported that they had complied with the
direction of the Grand Lodge in decorating the grave of late, P. G. M.,
W. H. Milligan, and were thanked and excused.
Reports of the Grand Treasurer and Grand Auditor and Committee
on Returns were received and adopted.
The Grand Lodge then proceeded to the election which resulted as
follows:
Grand Master, Bro. Branham N. Hyde (2); S. G. W., B. F.

Weldon (1); J. G. W., E. C. Martin (34); G. Treas. H. A, Martin
(29); G. Sec., C. T. Culberson ('21); and C. Custodian, A. R.
Joyce (17).
These Officers were duly installed by Past Grand Master, S. Joe

Brown, after which the Grand Lodge ordered one of the baskets of
flowers presented placed on the grave of the late Luther Lowery. Past
Grand Junior Warden, who also is buried in Cedar Rapids, and a
committee consisting of Bros. Ben F. Weldon (1), Rice Lintz (4) and
H. A. Martin (29) were appointed to deliver them, and the Grand
Lodge was closed in Ample Form.
BRANHAM N. HYDE, Grand Master
On July 12, 1939, the representatives of the various Lodges of the

jurisdiction assembled in Ottumwa, and were called to order by M.
W. Bro. Branham N. Hyde, Grand Master, promptly at 9 A. M.
The roll of Lodges was called, and a quorum having been found
present, the Grand Master ordered the roll of Grand Officers called
and filled the stations as follows:
Grand Master, Branham N. Hyde; S. G. W., B. F. Weldon; J.

G. W., E. C. Martin; G. Treas., H. A. Martin; G. Sec., C. T.
Culberson; Deputy G. Sec., N. L. Black, G. Auditor, Percy
Parker; G. Custodian, A. R. Joyce; Deputy G. M., Rice Lintz;
G. Chap., F. D. Bland; S. G. D., Montrose Beckley; J. G. D., A.
0. Powell; S. G. S., Carl Mays; J. G. S., Paul D. Goodloe; G.
Marshall, H. Brown; G. Sw. Bearer, L. W. Hicks; G.
Pursuivant, B. F. Hopkins; G. St. Bearer, Elmer Smith; G.
Master of Ceremonies, De Edwin White; G. Tyler, Wallace
Davis; Chm. on Correspondence, N. L. Black; Chm. on
225
Jurisprudence, F. S. Johnson, and Chm. on Returns, T. M.

Kelley.
The Grand Master then declared the Grand Lodge duly open for
the dispatch of business.
Grand Master Hyde then delivered his Annual Address in which lie
deplored the passing of a number of brethren among whom was P. S.
G. W., Wm. Rhodes, known to the brethren as "Temp."
Called attention to several Lodges who were in arrears and
suggested action by the Committee on Dispensations and Charters;
also regretting our failure to print minutes each year and suggested a
combined publication in 1940; commended the Worthy Grand Matron
of 0. E. S., Julia Reed and deplored the fact that our Junior
Department "The Order of Constantine" was not making the progress
it should.
Official Acts
Among the official acts reported were the arrest of the charter of
Cedar Grove Lodge No. 18 at Albia, because there was not a quorum
of members resident in the city; and the ordering of Grand Lodge
Certificates to the remaining members; also the commissioning of
Bro. B. F. Weldon to visit Corinthian Lodge No. 43 and straighten out
a confusion over the election of a Master which he did; also ruled
that a Fellowcraft is not entitled to a Masonic Burial; also reported
the holding of a Grand Lodge funeral for P. C. M., A. G. Clark on July
6th, 1939; also recommended the reduction of the salary of the Grand
Secretary to $100 per year; and closed by announcing that lie would
not be a candidate for re-election.
The Committee on Grand Officers' Addresses highly commended
the address and referred the several sections to the proper
committees. In the afternoon a visit was made to the Morrell Packing
House, said to be the largest hog packing plant in the world.
Second Day--A. M.
The Grand Lodge resumed labor at 10:00 A. M., and greetings were
read from Past Grand Matron of 0. E. S., Mrs. Maude M. Brewton.
Past Grand Masters, S. Joe Brown, Henry E. Williams, H. A,
Martin, F. S. Johnson were presented and given Grand Honors.
Grand Custodian A. R. Joyce made his second annual report in
which he refunded the sum of $24.40 out of the $25.00 contingent fee
advanced him by the Grand Lodge.
226
A committee composed of Sisters Sadie Weeks, J. C. McClelland

and Mattie Weeks, from Esther Chapter No. 4, 0. E. S., were admitted
and presented flowers.
Second Day---P. M.
Grand Lodge called on at 2:40 P. M. Three of the oldest Master

Masons were presented in persons of Bro. F. D. Bland, Past Grand
Treasurer (1); Bro. Alex Wilburn, P. M. (2) and Bro. Jos. Weeks, M. M.
(4).
A resolution by Carl Mays (2), presented to open Grand Lodge on
Monday before second Tuesday in July and close Wednesday,
approved and laid over for final action at next Grand Lodge.
Greetings were read from Mrs. Julia Reed, Grand Matron of 0. E. S.
Committee on Fraternal Dead reported the following deceased
since last Grand Lodge:
W. H. London (2), Aug. 21, 1,938; Ed Jones (4), Aug. 27,

1938; Joe Brooks (30), Sept. 9, 1939; Fred Dawson (1), July 5,
1938; W. T. Jones (2), Aug. 20, 1938; Harry Allen (2), Dec. 2,
1938; Jas. S. Lee (42), Dec. 30, 1938; Hayes R. Crayton (39),
Feb. 4, 1939; W. C. Lyons (32), Feb. 20, 1939; W. C. Rhodes
(30), Feb. 16, 1939; Walter Miller (19), Feb, 20, 1939; Wm.
Gordon (18), Feb. 27, 1939; J. C. McClellan (4), March 14,
1939; Wm. Smith (2), Feb. 21, 1939; Walter Davis (34), May 5,
1939; Lee Todd (42), May 8, 1939; Tom Pugh (35), March 8,
1939,
and recommended the holding of Grand Lodge of Sorrow in their

memory at Second Baptist Church, July 12th, at 8 P. M.
Recommendation adopted.
The Credentials Committee reported fifteen Lodges represented
and forty-eight Past Masters present.
Third Day--A. M.
Grand Lodge called on at 10:00. Committee on P. G. M. aprons

presented P. C. M. apron to P. G. M., F. S. Johnson. Committee
appointed to present flowers to Mrs. Dawson, widow of t deceased
brother, who, is a patient in a hospital.
P. G. M. Geo. L. Suter, P. G. C., Albert Gater, P. J. G. W., Wm.
Smith; P. S. G. W., J. W. Young, P. J. G. W., 0. A. Powell, P. G. C.,
Jake L. Nelson, and P. S. G. W., H. E. Jacobs were presented.
Burial Department Abolished

227
The Committee on Jurisprudence made its report and among

other things recommended the abolishing of the Grand Lodge Burial
Department; and the reduction of the salary of the Grand Secretary
to $100 per year and that hereafter no traveling expenses be allowed
any appointed officer or Committee Chairman and that the benefits
from the Relief Department be increased to $100. All of which were
adopted.
Third Day-P. M.
Called on at 1:30 P. M. Then called off for the purpose of having a

demonstration of the work of our junior Department "The Circle of
Constantine" by a team from Chapter No. 1, under the supervision
of Bro. W. L. Toney, P. M. of McNeil Lodge No. 21. with the
following officers:
Commander, Martin Mitchell; First Lt. Commander, Cas

Henderson; Second Lt. Commander, Junior Freels; Secretary,
Harvey Mitchell; Treasurer, Comesel Jackson; Conductor, Jas.
Wallace; Inner Guard, Junior Guy; Chaplain, Joe Robinson
and Outer Guard, Holland Williams.
After which the Grand Lodge was again called on and the
Committee on Resolutions reported resolutions of appreciation to
the members of Golden Star Lodge and the citizens of Ottumwa for
splendid entertainment, which were unanimously adopted,
Clark History
P. G. M., W. W. Gross, chairman of the Publication Committee of

the History of the Grand Lodge compiled by the late P. G. M., A. G.
Clark, reported that the Committee consisting of himself, P. G. M.,
1. L. Brown and P. G. M., S. Joe Brown, had secured figures whereby
500 copies of the history could be printed for about $600 and urged
every brother present to deposit $2.00, the price at which the
committee has decided the book should be Sold, and twenty-two
brethren responded, paying their $2.00, which money is to be held
in a special History Fund to be returned to the brethren in case the
History is not printed.
The Grand Lodge then proceeded to the election of officers for

the ensuing year, which resulted with the election of the following:
228
Grand Master, Percy Parker (34); S. G. W., Paul D. Goodloe

(30); J. G. W., Floyd Pleasant (3); G. Treas., H. A. Martin (29);
G. Sec., C. T. Culberson (21); G. Custodian, Carl M. Mays (2).
The Grand Master announced the following appointments:
Deputy G. M., A. R. Joyce (17); G. Chap., F. D. Bland (1); S. G. D.,

Wallace Davis (4); J. G. D., Wm. Williams (21); S. G. S., G. H. Clark
(43); J. G. S., B. H. Weldon (1); G. Marshall, Carl Brown (20); G. St.
Bearer, Howard Brown (34); G. Sw. Bearer, G. W. Perkins (17); G.
Pursuivant, De Edwin White (3); Master of Ceremonies, C. L. Downing
(42); G. Auditor, Geo. H. Edmunds (30); Grand Tyler, W. H. Green
(19).
Committee Chairman: On Jurisprudence, S. Joe Brown (30); on

Grand Officers' Addresses, F. S. Johnson (1); on Returns, T. M. Kelley
(2); on Correspondence, N. L. Black (39).
These Officers having been installed by P. G. M., S. Joe Brown,

with the assistance of P. G. C., Rice Lintz, the Grand, Master declared
the Grand Lodge closed in Ample Form.
W. PERCY PARKER, Grand' Master

C. T. CULBERSON, Grand Secretary,
FIFTY-THIRD ANNUAL COMMUNICATION
On July 9th, 1940, the representatives of the several subordinate

Lodges assembled in Davenport in the hall provided by Hiram Lodge
(19) 11 o'clock A. M.
The call of the roll of Lodges disclosed the presence of a
constitutional number of Lodges represented and the M. W. Grand
Master, Wm. Percy Parker ordered the calling of the roll of Grand
Officers and filled the stations as follows:
M. W. Grand Master, Wm. Percy Parker (34); Deputy C. M.,

J. W. Young (19); S. G. W., Paul D. Goodloe (30); J. G. W.,
Floyd Pleasant (3); G. Treas., H. A. Martin (29); G. Sec., C. T.
Culberson (21); G. Custodian, Carl M. Mays (2); G. Chap., H.
0. Owens (35); S. G. D., Harry Owens (4); J. G. D., T. G. Dozier
(21); S. G. S., W. T. McKee (4); J. G. S., Roy Hicks (42); St.
Bearer, Frank Brown (19); Pursuivant, Elmer Smith (17),
Master of Ceremonies, C. P. Downing (42); G. Tyler, W. H.
Green (19); G. Auditor, W. L. Toney (21); Chm. on Returns,
Maurice Kelley (2); on jurisprudence, H. E. Williams (4); on
229
Grand Officers' Addresses, F. S. Johnson (1) and Deputy G.

Sec., Jake L. Nelson (3).
The Grand Master then declared the Grand Lodge open in Ample
Form for the dispatch of business and proceeded to deliver his
Annual Address, much of which was devoted to discussing the
financial condition of the Grand Lodge and of subordinate Lodges,
but reported that some of the Lodges were doing work and that the
membership was being increased.
Among his official acts he reported:
A visit to the M. W. Grand Lodge of Nebraska, at Omaha in

company with Past Grand Master, Branham N. Hyde, Grand Sec., C.
T. Culberson, Grand Custodian, Carl M. Mays and W. Bro., Howard
Brown, Master of Perfect Ashler (34).
A visit with the Master of Twin City Lodge (32) since the
Lodge had less than a quorum and could not meet.
A visit to St. John (35) and making recommendation as to
how they might pay up their indebtedness to the Grand
Lodge.
An official visit to his own Lodge, Perfect Ashler (34), and
attendance upon the celebration of the 69th Anniversary of
North Star Lodge (2).
Appointment of Bro. Horace Spencer (34) as Chairman of the

History Committee, vice W. W. Gross, resigned, all of which were
referred to the Committee on jurisprudence and by them approved.
The Official Burial Ceremony was demonstrated by Bro. Rice

Lintz (4).
On Tuesday evening, there was held a public reception at Bethel
M. E. Church.
SECOND DAY--11 A. M.
Labor was resumed and journal of preceding sessions read and

adopted.
A communication in the form of a greeting was received from
Grand Master Nathaniel Hunter of the M. W. Grand Lodge of
Nebraska and Jurisdiction and another M. W. Bro. John C. Ellis,
Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Illinois, and another from Rt.
W. Bro. N. L. Black, C. C. F. C. of our own jurisdiction who was
absent because of illness.
230
W. Bro. Chas. L. Flynn, Past Master of Wayfaire Lodge No. 128 of

the Illinois Jurisdiction, who is an inmate of the Masonic Home at
Rock Island, Ill., was a visitor at this session,
SECOND DAY--2 P. M.
Labor resumed and minutes of morning session read and

approved.
The Committee on Fraternal Dead reported the following
brethren as having passed since our last Grand Communication:
Past Grand Master A. G. Clark (4): Bros. Evan Davis (35); 0. J.

Williams (34); Dr. J. Alvin ' Jefferson (30); Geo. H. Edmunds
(30); John Wilkinson (2); Lewis Hunter (2); John Draine
(1)and John H. Williams (1)
and recommended a Grand Lodge of Sorrow be held at the Third

Baptist Church, Wednesday evening, which recommendation was
adopted and carried out with a special eulogy on Past Grand Master,
Clark by Past Grand Master, H. E. Williams, and the general eulogy by
Bro. Fred Garwood (34).
The Rt. W. Grand Custodian, Carl M. Mays, then read a
comprehensive report of his work during the year which was referred
to the Committee on Grand Officers' Addresses and later commended
by them.
At this point the Grand Master took occasion to thank Past Grand
Master Branham N. Hyde, for having been present and represented
this Grand Lodge at the Mortgage Burning Ceremony of a Masonic
Hall in ______________ Nebraska.
Gavel Presented
Past Grand Master H. E. Williams, took the floor and presented

the Grand Lodge a gavel which had been presented to Alexander
Clark, Sr., father of our late Past Grand Master, A. G. Clark, t-L the
time when the Sr. Clark had been installed as Grand Master of the
Grand Lodge of Missouri, from which jurisdiction Masonry first came
into Iowa, which gavel, Mrs. Addie Clark, widow of our late Past
Grand Master, A. G. Clark, desired to become the property of this
Grand Lodge.
On motion of Bro. Carl M. Mays, seconded by Bro. Leroy Hicks
(42), the gavel was accepted and ordered properly inscribed and a
letter of appreciation sent to Mrs. Clark.
Report of Bro. N. L. Black, C. C. F. C., was read by the Grand
Secretary and placed on file.
231
Death Announced
Past Grand Master Branham N. Hyde, announced the receipt of a

telegram announcing the passing of Bro. Jas. H. Woods, a Past
Master of North Star Lodge and on motion of Bros. F. S. Johnson (1)
and Chas. Owen (1), a telegram of sympathy was sent from the Grand
Lodge to the widow.
Bro. Clarence V. Scott of Ionic Lodge No. 134 of St. Louis, Mo.,
was presented and addressed the Grand Lodge to whom response
was mad by Past Grand Master F. S. Johnson,
SECOND DAY--2:40 P. M.
Labor was resumed and the minutes of the morning session read
and approved.
The Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer made their reports.
The resolution amending the Constitution so as to open the
Grand Lodge Sessions on Monday and close on Wednesday, instead
of Thursday was finally adopted.
The Committee on Appeals and Grievances reported that peace
and harmony prevailed,
The Committee on Charters and Dispensation reported Corinthian
Lodge (43) in arrears $179.75 and St. John (35) $601.76,and the Grand
Master authorized to make adjustment of these arrears.
Invitations were read from Eureka Lodge (20) also from the
Greater Marshalltown Assn. of Marshalltown and Marshalltown was
accepted as the place for our next Grand Communication by
unanimous vote.
Resolutions of appreciation to Hiram Lodge and the citizens of
Davenport in general presented by Bro. Horace Spencer, were
unanimously adopted.
The Grand Lodge then proceeded with the election which
resulted as follows:
Grand Master, W. Percy Parker (,4), S. G. W., W. L. Toney (21;

J. G. Warden., De Edwin White (3); G. Treas., H. A. Martin
(29); G. Sec., C. T. Culberson (21); G. Custodian, Carl M.
Mays (2).
The Grand Master announced the following Appointments:
Deputy G. M., J. W. Young (19); G. Chap., F. D. Bland (1); S.

C. D., Henry Owens (35); J. G. D., Walter Benhart (3); S. G. S.,
Howard Brown, (34); J. G. S., G. W. Perkins (17); G. Marshall,
Rice Lintz (4); St. Bearer, A. A. Anderson (43); Pursuivant,
232
Leroy Hicks (42); Master of Ceremonies, Ross Hopkins (19);

C. Tyler, Carl Brown (20); G. Auditor, Paul D. Goodloe (30).
Committee Chairmen: C. C. F. C., N. L. Black (39);
Jurisprudence, H. E. Williams (2); G. Officers' Addresses, F. S.
Johnson (1) and Returns, E. Smith (17).
These officers having been installed by Past Grand Master H. E.

Williams, the Grand Master closed the Grand Lodge in Ample Form.
Wm. P. PARKER, Grand Master,

FIFTY-FOURTH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION
On July 7th, 1941, representatives of the several subordinate

Lodge met at Marshalltown in the hall of Eureka Lodge No. 20 at
10:30 A. M.
The roll of Lodges was called and a constitutional number having
been found represented, the Grand Master ordered the roll of Grand
Officers called and filled the stations as follows:
Grand Master, Wm, Percy Parker (34); S. G. W., W. L.

Toney (21); J. G. W., Fred Garwood (34); G. Treas., H. A.
Martin (29); G. Sec., C. T. Culberson (21); G. Custodian, Carl
M. Mays (2); D. G. M., L. J. Henry (19) (acting); G. Chap.,
Wm. Berry (21) (acting); S. G. D., T. M. Kelley (2) (acting); J.
G. D., E. Collins (17) (acting); S. G. S., Howard Brown (34); J.
G. S., Chas Morris (42) (acting); C. C. F. C., N. L. Black (39);
G. Tyler, Carl Brown (20) (acting); G. Auditor, Paul D.
Goodloe (30);
and opened the Grand Lodge in Ample Form.

The minutes of the Occasional Grand Lodge, which convened at
Marshalltown, Sept. 11, 1940, for the funeral of P. G. M., I. L. Brown,
were read and approved.
Rt. W. Bro. Thos. Lighons, acting Grand Master from Oct, 1921 to
July, 1924, was presented and seated in the Grand East. Bro. Carl M.
Mays offered a resolution for the revision of the Grand Lodge Relief
Department, which was referred to the Committee on jurisprudence.
The Grand Lodge was called to refreshment at 11:40 and Rt. W.
Grand Custodian Carl M. Mays by authority of the W. M. of Eureka
Lodge No. 20, opened an occasional lodge with the assistance of the
brethren, and entered, one Jerome Tate, a candidate elected by Mt.
Olive No. 17, during the afternoon this candidate was passed and
233
raised after which the Grand Custodian closed his school in

instruction in due form.
Second Day--Morning Session
The Grand Lodge resumed labor at 11:00 A. M., and the minutes of
yesterday were read corrected and adopted, after which the Grand
Master read his Annual Address, which was commended and referred
to the Committee on Grand Officers' Addresses.
Inspiring addresses were then given by the following: Bros. W. C.
Buice (44); Harvey Spencer (34); B. N. Hyde (2); H. A. Martin (29); E. C.
Martin (34); Thos Lighons (30); T. M. Kelley (2) and six brethren from
Hiram No. 19; Paul D. Goodloe (30), Fred Garwood (34); Bros. Harris
and Brown (42); brethren from Hiram No. 19 and Clarence Bryant (2),
after which the Grand Lodge was called to refreshment.
Second Day--Afternoon Session
The Grand Lodge resumed labor at 2:25 P. M. and the minutes of

the morning session were read, corrected and approved,
The Grand Lodge was then called to refreshment and a com-
mittee headed by Sister Raglin of Excelsior Chapter No. 12 0. E. S.,
was introduced and presented a basket of flowers which re
accepted for the Grand Lodge by Rt. W. Bro. J. L. Henry (19).
The Grand Lodge resumed labor and the Committee on Grand
Officers' Addresses made its report which was approved; as was
that of the Grand Trustees.
The C. C. F. C. made a splendid report which was received and
filed.
Greetings were received from the Grand Jurisdictions of
Louisiana, California and Nebraska and were ordered filed.
Rt. W. Bro. D. N. Crossthwait, a Past S. G. W. of this Jurisdiction
but now residing in Chicago was present and made inspiring
remarks, which were responded to by Rt. W. Bro. Thos. Lighons
also a P. S. G. W.
Greeting was received from Bro. Holland Williams regretting his
inability to be present and extending an invitation to the Grand
Lodge to meet with McNeil Lodge No. 21 at Clinton at its next
Bro. Alex Wilburn (2), a charter member of the Grand Lodge was
then introduced and made some very interesting remarks.
Remarks were also made by Bros. Clyde White (3); Luke Raglin
(20) and Henry Owens (34).
Bro. Carl M. Mays, G. Custodian, made a splendid report of his
work after which the Grand Lodge was called to refreshment until
234
7:30, at which time we are to hold the Annual Grand Lodge of

Sorrow for the brethren who have passed since our last Grand
Communication.
The Grand Lodge of Sorrow was conducted by the Grand Master
and the brethren at the Cumberland Colored Presbyterian Church.
The Grand Lodge resumed labor at 10:45 A. M., and the minutes
of yesterday afternoon were read and adopted.
Extemporaneous remarks were made by the following: Bros.
Albert Saunders (34); Clarence Bowman (2), J. W. Young (19); Harry
Owens (4); Edward Berry (19); Rice Lintz (4): Roy McAllister; Horace
Spencer and Louis Henry; also by Bros. Wm. T. McKee (4); Elmer
Smith (1.9) and Harvey Spencer (34).
Greetings were received by Sisters Maude M. Brewton, Past
Worthy Grand Matron, and Julia E. Reed, Present Worthy Grand
Matron of Electa Grand Chapter of 0. E. S., which were ordered filed.
The Committee on Jurisprudence then reported among other
things ruling that a candidate with only one leg could not be
initiated, which ruling was approved.
Other recommendations concerned the revision of the Grand
Lodge Relief Department which were discussed at length by
practically all the brethren present and no agreement having been
reached the Grand Lodge was called to refreshment until 2 P. M.
Third Day--Afternoon Session
The Grand Lodge resumed labor at 2 P. M. After the reading and

adoption of the minutes of the mornings, a communication was, read
from the widow of the late Past Grand Master A. G. Clark, desiring to
know what action was taken with reference to the acceptance of a
gavel used by our late Past Grand Master A. G. Clark's father,
Alexander Clark, Sr., when he was Grand Master of Missouri and by
him handed down to his son, which gavel she had tendered to this
Grand Lodge; and the Grand Secretary was instructed to write
thanking Sister Clark and also to request permission to have the gavel
placed in the Masonic Library of the Grand Lodge of Iowa at Cedar
Rapids.
Past Grand Master W. W. Gross was then received with Grand
Honors and addressed the Grand Lodge in his usually charming
manner.
Past Master's Degree Conferred
235
The Grand Lodge was called to refreshment and during the re-
freshment period the Past Master's degree was conferred upon W.
Bros. E. C. Martin (34); Elmer Smith (17); C. T. Brown (20); Howard
Brown (34); Henry Owens (35); Wm. Wiginton (34); Daniel Anderson
(35) and Fred Garwood (34).
Labor was resumed at 4:10 P. M. and the Committee on returns
made its report which was adopted.
The Grand Treasurer reported total receipts for the General fund
$994.99 and disbursements to date $470.49, leaving balance to date
$479.50 and that the total receipts in the Relief Fund were $1,315.54
and that the disbursements totaled $1,300 leaving a balance in the
Relief fund of only $13.54 which report was approved.
The Grand Master appointed a committee consisting of Bros,,
Horace Spencer (34); L. J. Henry (19); and Rice Lintz (4) to collect
dues from delinquent Lodges and the sum of $35.00 was voted for the
expense of this committee.
Waterloo was selected by vote as the place of the next Grand
Communication. Bro. John M. Estes of Baxter Lodge No. 160 of the
Kansas jurisdiction was introduced by P. G. M., Branham N. Hyde,
and addressed the Grand Lodge.
The Auditing committee reported the session expenses were
$377.66 which was approved and the same allowed.
A recommendation from this committee to continue the extra
$1.00 assessment for another year was also adopted.
The Grand Lodge then proceeded to election which resulted as
follows:
Grand Master, Geo. L. Suter (20) ; S. G. W., T. M. Kelley G.

W., Elmer Smith (19); G. Treas., H. A. Martin (29); G. C. T.
Culberson (21) -1 G. Custodian, Fred Garwood (34).
Appointed Officers
D. G. M., N. A. Raglin (20); G. Chap., Rev. Thos. Lighon (30);

S. G. D., A. Sauders (34); J. G. D., Paul D. Goodloe (30), G. S.,
Wm. Williams (21); G. Marshall, Harry Owens (4) G. Sw.
Bearer, Chas. Morrison (42); G. St. Bearer, C. T. Brown (20);
G. Pursuivant, 1. J. Caldwell (32); M. C., G. H. Clark (43); G.
Tyler, Daniel Anderson (35); G. Auditor, R. S. Taylor (19); and
Deputy G. Sec., N. L. Black (39).
Committee Chairmen
236
C. C. F. C., W. W. Gross (1); Jurisprudence, S. Joe Brown

(30); Returns, Rice Lintz (4); G. Officers Addresses, Branham
N. Hyde.
These officers having been duly installed by P. G. M., W. W. Gross

the Grand Lodge was closed in Ample Form.
GEO. L. SUTER, Grand Master.

FIFTY-FIFTH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION

Lodges assembled in Waterloo in the hall provided by St. John's
Lodge No. 35 at 11:15 A. M.
The roll of Lodge was called and a constitutional number having
been found to be represented, the Grand Master ordered the calling
of the roll of Grand Officers and filled the stations as follows:
Grand Master, Geo. L. Suter (20); Deputy G. M., N. A.

Raglin(20); S. G. W., T. M. Kelley (2); J. G. W., W. P. Parker
(34) (acting); G. Treas., H. A. Martin (29); G. Sec., C. T.
Culberson (21); G. Custodian, Fred Garwood (34); C. Chap., F.
S. Johnson (1) (acting); S. G. D., A. Wiggens (acting); J. G. D.,
W. E. Sample (acting); S. G. S., De Edwin White (3) (acting);
G. Sw. Bearer, Chas. Morris (42); G. Tyler, Rice Lintz (4)
(acting) and C. C. F. C., W. W. Gross (1);
and declared the Grand Lodge open in Ample Form for the dispatch
of business.
Prior to delivering his Annual Address, however, the Grand
Master appointed the following committee:
On Credentials: E. C. Martin (34); Rice Lintz (4); and F. S. Johnson
(1).
The Grand Lodge was then called to refreshment until tomorrow
at 9 A. M.
First Day--2 P. M.
Rt. W. Grand Custodian Fred Garwood by authority of the W. M. of

St. John Lodge No. 35, opened Lodge and with the assistance of a
team from Hiram No. 19 with Bro. W. E. Sample as Master conferred
the first degree upon Mr. Oscar Mallett; then with the assistance of a
team from Perfect Ashler No. 34, with Bro. E. C. Martin as W. M.
passed Bro. Oscar Mallett and later with the assistance of a team
237
from North Star No. 2 with Bro. Wm. Martin, Jr., as W. M., raised Bro.
Oscar Mallett to the sublime degree of a Master Mason.
Second Day Morning Session
The Grand Lodge was called to labor at 10 A. M. and the report of

the Committee on Credentials was received.
The Grand Master then proceeded to appoint the remaining
committee then delivered a very brief Annual Address in which he
called attention to the terrible conditions brought on by this the
second World War which had made it impossible for him to visit or
to obtain much information from the subordinate Lodges and
suggested a careful canvas of the returns in order to ascertain the
condition of the craft.
However he paid a tribute to the late Bro. John Marion of Union
Lodge No. 1 who had passed during the year and recommended the
complete abolition of the Grand Lodge Relief Department, which
address was referred to the committee on Grand Officers; Addresses
of which Bro. Thos. Lloyd was chairman.
Upon motion by Bro. H. A, Mattin the Receiver's Certificate for
$2,749.50 on the defunct bank in Washington, Iowa, was ordered
turned over to Bro. S. Joe Brown, attorney for collection, the
proceeds to be placed into the Relief Fund.
The resolution for the revision of the Relief Department was
referred to the jurisprudence Committee.
Bro. W. W. Gross, C. C. F. C. made an interesting report which
was received and filed, as was also a Greeting from M. W. Bro.
Branham N. Hyde, Worthy Grand Patron of Electa Grand Chapter of
the 0. E. S. for Iowa and jurisdiction.
The Grand Lodge was then called to refreshment until 1:30 p.m.
SECOND DAY--AFTERNOON SESSION
The Grand Lodge resumed labor at 2:30 P. M.; and the minutes of
previous sessions were read and approved.
On motion by Bros. H. A. Martin and W. W. Gross a cheering
message was ordered sent to Bro. N. L. Black, P. G. S. W., and Past
C. C. F. C., who is very ill at his home in Washington, Iowa.
Bro. DeEdwin White (3) presented a proposed amendment to
Article XIII of the Constitution and Section 36 of the Code relative to
the Relief Department, which was referred to the Jurisprudence
Committee.
The Committee on Fraternal Dead reported the passing of eight
brethren during the year and memorial services were held for them.
238
The Grand Lodge was called to recreation and Sisters Barnett

and McCracken of Palestine Chapter, O. E. S. of Waterloo presented
flowers, which were accepted by Bro. T. M. Kelley on behalf of the
Grand Lodge.
The Grand Custodian then made his report stating that on
account of the war he had been unable to visit any of the Lodges
accept his own and made no expense upon them.
This report was approved.
The Jurisprudence Committee reported recommending certain
amendments to the Relief Department which were disapproved. The
Grand Lodge also disapproved the amendment proposed by Br. De
Edwin White as well as that of the Grand Master to discontinue the
Relief Department.
The matter of exempting brothers in the armed forces from
Lodge Dues was left to the will of each subordinate Lodge.
The Grand Lodge was then called to refreshment until tomorrow
at 9 A. M.
The Grand Lodge resumed labor at 10:05 A. M. and the minutes

of yesterday were read and approved.
Rt. W. Bro. Fred Garwood conducted a Grand Lodge of Sorrow in
memory of the eight brethren who, passed during the year, viz.
Bros. J. A. Jordan, St. John's No. 35; Benford Crawford St. John's No.
35; John Meerion, Union No. 1; 0. E. Bailey, Union No. 1; Wm.
Lyons, North Star No. 2; J. W. Meerton, Mt. Olive No. 17; Henry
McCraven, Doric No. 30 and B. F. Moses, Corinthian No. 43.
A rising vote of thanks was tendered Bro. Garwood for his
excellent work.
The Grand Treasurer made his report showing the balance in the
General Fund $312.36 and balance in Relief Fund $515.34 which was
received and referred to the Grand Auditor.
The Grand Secretary made his report in substance the same as
Grand Treasurer's which was also referred to the Grand Auditor, and
the Grand Lodge was called to refreshment until 2:40 P. M.
Grand Lodge called to labor at 2:40 P. M.; and the minutes of the
morning session read and adopted.
The Grand Auditor reported recommending the approval of the
reports of the Grand Sec. and Grand Treasurer; also recommending
the continuance of the one dollar special assessment be continued
for another year, which report was adopted.
239
The Committee on Credentials reported that there were fifteen

Lodges and forty-two past masters present making the 'total vote of
the Grand Lodge to be eighty-seven.
The Credentials Committee report having been approved the
Grand Lodge proceeded to the election which resulted as follows:
Grand Master, Carl M. Mays (2); S. C. W., Powell Gibson

(117); J. G. W., Chas. Morris (42); G. Treas., H. A. Martin (29);
G. Sec., C. T. Culberson (21) and G. Custodian, Fred Garwood
(34).
The Grand Master elect announced the following appointments:
Deputy G. M., Dr. E. C. Martin (34); G. Chap., Wm Walker

(2); S. G. D., Gus Anderson (43); J. G. D., B. F. Hopkins (19)
and G. Tyler, Holland W. Williams.
(Note: We find no record of the other appointments)
The Grand Officers having been duly installed by the retiring

Grand Master, the Grand Lodge was closed in Form, to meet with
McNiel Lodge No. 21 in next annual communication.
CARL M. MAYS, Grand Master,

FIFTY-SIXTH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION

Lodges assembled at Mason City in a hall provided by Perfect Ashler
Lodge No. 34.
The roll of Lodges was called and a constitutional number having
been found to be represented, the M. W. Grand Master, Carl M. Mays
had the roll of Grand Officers called and filled the stations as
follows:
Grand Master, Carl M. Mays (2); S. G. W., Powell Gibson (17);

J. G. W., Chas. Morris (42); G. C., Fred Garwood (34); G.
Treas., H. A. Martin (29); G. Sec., C. T. Culberson (21): S. G.
D., Henry Eskrige (35); J. G. D., B. F. Hopkins (43); S. G. S.
Clyde White (1); J. C. S., Bedford Wilder (20); D. G. M., E. C.
Martin (34); C. Chap., Wm Walker (2); G. Auditor, Paul D.
Goodloe (30); G. Marshall, W. Patton; G. St. Bearer, Clarence
Bryant (2); G. Master of Ceremonies, John Perkins (1): G.
240
Sword Bearer, Wm. A. Givens (32); G. Tyler, Harvey Spencer

(34) and declared the Grand Lodge open and ready for
business.
The following Past Grand Masters present were introduced; Joe
Brown (30); H. A. Martin (29,); Branham N. Hyde (2); Wm. Percy
Parker (34) and Geo. L. Suter (20) and were given the private Grand
Honors.
The Grand Master then delivered his Annual Address in which he
gave a detailed account of his stewardship during the year and
recommended a complete revision of the Relief and Burial Dept.,
which address was commended and referred to the Committee on
Grand Officers' Addresses.
P. G. M., H. A. Martin also read a proposition for revising the
Relief Department, which was referred to the Committee on
Jurisprudence.
A greeting was read from Sister Elizabeth Jones, Worthy Grand
Matron of the Electa Grand Chapter of 0. E. S. and was on file; and
we were called to recreation until 2 P.M.
First Day--Afternoon Session
The Grand Lodge resumed labor at 2 P. M.

The minutes of the morning session were read.
The Grand Lodge was again called to refreshment and received a
committee from the 0. E. S. including Sisters Maude Brewton, Past
Grand Matron who presented a beautiful basket of flowers which
were received in an appropriate speech by Past Grand Master
Branham N. Hyde, the presiding Grand Patron of the Grand Chapter
of 0. E. S.
Labor was again resumed and P. G. M., S. Joe Brown reported that
the Trustees of the defunct Bank in Washington, Iowa, against whom
the Grand Lodge holds the Receivers Certificate have not yet gotten
ready to make payment, but report that they are expecting an order
from the Court authorizing them to make another small payment
within the near future which will be the final payment they shall be
able to make on said certificate; which report was accepted and
placed on file.
The Rt. W. Grand Custodian, Fred Garwood, then made his report
which was commended and ordered filed.
The Committee on Grand Officers' Addresses made its report
which was received and ordered filed.
The Committee on Jurisprudence consisting of P. G. M.'s S. Joe
Brown, H. A. Martin, Branham N. Hyde, W. Percy Parker and Geo. L.
241
Suter, made their first report, which was received and filed for action
on tomorrow.
The Committee on Fraternal Dead made their report which was
approved and ordered filed, and the Grand Lodge called to
refreshment until tomorrow morning.
Grand Lodge of Sorrow

Evening Session
The members and friends of the Grand Lodge assembled at the

Union Memorial Methodist Church at 8 P. M. and conducted the
ritualistic Grand Lodge of Sorrow for the brethren who had passed
during the year, after which Bro. Fred Garwood, Grand Custodian,
delivered a beautiful eulogy which was highly commended by all.
Second Day-Morning Session
The Grand Lodge resumed labor at 10 A. M.; and the minutes of
yesterday were read and approved.
A special committee consisting of Bros. Horace Spencer (34) Wm.
Smith (1); Paul D. Goodloe (30); and H. A. Martin (29) read a
resolution pledging the whole hearted support to the President of
the U. S. A. in the prosecution of the war, which resolution was
unanimously adopted.
The Grand Treasurer made his report which was received and
referred to the auditing committee.
The Grand Master made a special report upon the case of the late
Bro. Davis Carter, which was discussed by P. G. M.'s Suter, Hyde and
Brown and referred to committee; after which the Grand Lodge was
called to refreshment until 1:30 P. M.
The Grand Lodge resumed labor at 1:30 P. M.; and the minutes of
the morning were read and adopted.
The Grand Secretary made his report which was referred to the
auditing committee.
The committee on returns made a partial report.
The Committee on Charters and Dispensations reported
recommending that the Charter of Cedar Valley Lodge No. 44 be
revoked; which report was approved by the Grand Lodge.
The Committee on Jurisprudence made its final report which
was adopted and provided for a complete revision of the Grand
Lodge Relief Department which provides that each Lodge shall pay
to the Grand Secretary $1.00 each quarter commencing with July for
the Grand Lodge Relief Fund and shall report to the Grand Secretary
each quarter the names of the brethren for whom said Relief
242
assessment is paid and that upon the convening of the Grand

Lodge, 10% of this fund shall be deducted for operation expenses of
the Relief Department and the balance divided equally between the
proper beneficiaries of those brethren who have passed during the
year, providing that in no case shall more than $100 be paid to the
beneficiaries of any deceased brother.
This report also provided that the Grand Lodge Dues shall be
$2.00 per year, payable at $1.00 June 1st and $1.00 on December 1st,
and that the tax on degrees be $2.00 to be computed as follows for
initiation 75c; for passing 50c and for raising 75c; and that all
members in the armed forces shall be exempt from payment of
either dues or assessments to the Grand Lodge; but that no
benefits shall be paid on account of the death of one who dies a
member of the armed forces, All of which was adopted by the
Grand Lodge.
The Grand Master then reported the indebtedness of St. John's
Lodge No. 35 and recommended that it be cancelled and motion
was made to cancel said indebtedness; but was amended so as to
include Golden Star No. 4 and also Corinthian No. 42.
After much discussion a substitute motion was made by P. G.
M., Wm. P. Parker that St. John's No. 35 be required to pay as
follows: $100 in 1944; $100 in 1945 and $50 in 1946 and that if this
was done the balance of their indebtedness be cancelled, which
motion was adopted.
The Committee on Returns made their final report which was
adopted.
P. G. M., Branham N. Hyde offered a resolution of thanks to the
members of Perfect Ashler Lodge, the Sisters of Adah Chapter, 0. E.
S. and to the citizens of Mason City in general, for their generous
hospitality to us, which was unanimously adopted by the Grand
Lodge.
The Grand Lodge then proceeded to the election of officers which
resulted as follows:
Grand Master, Carl M. Mays (2); S. G. W., Howard Brown

(34); J. G. W., Joshua Roberts (19); G. Treas., H. A. Martin
(29); G. Sec., C. T. Culberson (21) and G. Custodian W. A.
Givens (32).
The Grand Master elect announced the following appointments:
D. G. M., E. C. Martin (34); C. C. F. C., F. S. Johnson (1); G.

Chap., Wm. Walker (2); S. G. D., Gus Anderson (43); J. G. D.,
B. F. Hopkins (19); S. G. S., Paul D. Goodloe (30); J. G. S., B.
W. Wilder (20; G. St. Bearer H. Eskrige (35); G. Sw. Bearer,
243
Thos. Lloyd (39); G. Pursuivant, John Harvey (4); G. M. of

Ceremonies, John Perkins (1); G. Tyler, H. Williams (21);
Deputy 0. Sec., Cecil Ridout (3); G. Auditor, Wm, Wiginton
(34)
and the following Committee chairmen:
On Jurisprudence, S. Joe Brown (30); on Grand Officers'

Addresses, Beverly Taylor (17); and on Returns, John C.
Buckner (19).
These officers were formally installed by P. G. M., S. Joe Brown

and the Grand Lodge was closed in Ample Form.
CARL M. MAYS, Grand Master

C. T. CULBERSON, Grand Secretary
FIFTY-SEVENTH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION
On July 10th, 1944 the representatives of the several subordinate

Lodges assembled at Corinthian Baptist Church as the guests of
North Star No. 1 and Doric No. 30, the Rt. Worshipful Senior Grand
Warden, Howard Brown, ordered the roll call of and a constitutional
number of Lodges being represented, proceeded to fill the stations
as follows:
Grand Master, Howard Brown (34); Deputy G. E. C. Martin (14); S.
G. W., Powell Gibson (17); J. G. W., Joshua Roberts (19): G. Treas., H.
A. Martin (29); G. Sec., C. T. Culberson (21); G. Custodian, Wm. A.
Givens (32); G. Chap., Wm. Walker (2); S. G. D., C. B. Bryant (2); J. G.
D., B. F. Hopkins (19); S. G. S., H. E. Eskridge; G. Marshall, Beverly
Taylor (17); G. St. Bearer, M. Sturgis (17); G. Sw. Bearer, D. Johnson
(29); G. Pursuivant, Claude Downing (42); G. Tyler, Paul D. Goodloe
(30).
The acting Grand Master then declared the Grand Lodge open in
Ample Form for the dispatch of business and proceeded to appoint
committee chairmen as follows:
On Foreign Correspondence, Branham N. Hyde (2); on

Credentials, H. E. Jacobs (2); on Dispensations and Charters,
B. F. Hopkins (19); on Returns, W. T. McKee (4), on Appeals
and Grievances, Thos. Lighons (30); on Fraternal Dead, B. J.
Jackson (35); on Publicity, Powell Gibson (17); on
Jurisprudence, Past Grand Masters, S. Joe Brown, H. A.
Martin, Branham N. Hyde, and W. P. Parker and on Grand
244
Officers' Addresses, Branham N. Hyde, Paul D. Goodloe and

Fred Garwood.
Grand Master Arrives
At this juncture the M. W. Grand Master Bro. Carl M. Mays, who

was serving in the U. S. Air Corps, Newport, Ark., arrived and was
received with Grand Honors and the Rt. W. Deputy Grand Master
turned the gavel over to him, which after a few words of greeting to
the brethren he returned to the Deputy Grand Master and directed
him to proceed with the business of the Grand Lodge.
The Deputy Grand Master again presented the Grand Master who
delivered his address giving in detail his acts prior to his call into
the armed forces and the steps which he took in turning the work
over to his Deputy; which report was followed by the report of the
Deputy Grand Master of his actions as acting Grand Master during
the remainder of the year; both of which addresses were referred to
Committee on Grand Officers' Addresses.
This being the first meeting of the Grand Lodge since the
adoption of the new Relief Law, on motion by Past Grand Master S.
Joe Brown, the Grand Lodge voted that the Grand Master, Grand
Treasurer and Grand Secretary constitute the Committee to
apportion the proceeds of the Relief Department to the various
beneficiaries of deceased brethren.
The hour of 12 Noon having arrived, the Grand Lodge was called
to refreshment to come on again tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock.
2:00 P. M.
The Rt. W. Grand Custodian Wm. A. Givens opened and

conducted the Grand Lodge School of Instruction in which were
entered Rev, D. 0. Bell for No. 17; M. F. Brooks for No. 4 and John
Danforth, Robert F. Hayes and Gerald Bryson for No. 2; passed
Bros. D. 0. Bell and W. F. Brooks; and raised Bros. D. 0. Bell and W.
F. Brooks.
8:00 P. M.
At 8:00 P. M. the local Lodges tendered a public reception to the

members and visitors to the Grand Lodge at which His Honor John
MacVicar in person welcomed the visitors and was ably responded
to by Past Grand Master H. A. Martin and musical numbers were
contributed by the Ladies Chorus of Bums Methodist and the
Ladies Chorus of St. Paul A. M. E. Churches.
245
The Grand Lodge resumed labor at 9:45 A. M. with Deputy Grand

Master, E. C. Martin, presiding. The minutes of yesterday morning
were read, corrected and adopted.
The Committee on Grand Officers' Addresses reported, highly
commending the reports of both Grand Master Carl M. Mays and of
the Acting Grand Master Howard Brown; and referred to the
jurisprudence Committee the official acts of both.
It was reported that Bro. Roy Hicks a Past Master of No. 42 was a
patient in the U. S. Veterans' Hospital in Des Moines and upon
motion the Acting Grand Master appointed a committee consisting
of Bros. Chas. Morris No. 42; B. F. Hopkins No. 19 and H. E. Hubbard
No. 30.
Past Grand Master Branham N. Hyde reported that Bro. Jas. B.
Mitchell a Past Master of No. 2 and a Past Deputy Grand Secretary of
this Grand Lodge was very ill at his home in this City and had been
for a number of months and recommended that a voluntary
contribution be lifted and presented. On motion the Grand Master
appointed as such committee Bros. C. T. Culberson No. 21; Rice Lintz
No. 4 and Branham N. Hyde No. 2 and an offering of more than $40
was lifted and sent to Bro. Mitchell. The Grand Lodge was then called
to refreshment until 2 P.M.
The Grand Lodge resumed labor and the minutes of the morning
were read and adopted.
A beautiful letter of greeting was received from Sister Elizabeth
Jones, Grand Matron of Electra Grand Chapter of 0. E. S. and entered
in our minutes.
M. W. Bro. Branham N. Hyde, C. C. F. C., then read a splendid
review of the work of the sister Grand Jurisdictions for the past year,
which was on motion commended, received and placed on file.
Fraternal Dead
The Committee on Fraternal Dead then reported the passing of

the following brethren since our last Grand Session:
W. H. Herndon (32); W. H. Lavelle (17); Joseph Weeks (4); J.

D. Lamb (39); Chas H. Wilson (4); Lowell Chas. Bush ('10); W.
J. Shepherd (30); Peyton Reeves (2); Sylvester Beatty (2);
Henry Moore (3); Howard Lindsley (3); Louis Nelson (3); Inke
Raglin (20)
246
and recommended that a Grand Lodge of Sorrow be held in their

honor this evening at 8 o'clock, which report was adopted.
The Committee on Jurisprudence made its first report,
approving, the action of the Grand Master in turning the gavel over
to the Senior Grand Warden rather than to his Deputy because he
was entering the armed services of the nation with a possibility of
being sent out of the country. It also approved and referred to the
Grand Lodge a resolution to drop the first "A" from our name
leaving it "F & A. M." rather than "A. F. & A. M.", which report was
laid over for action on tomorrow.
Bro. T. H. McKee, W. M. of No. 4, made a statement of the
financial condition of Golden Star No. 4 and requested the
cancellation of all her back indebtedness, which request was on
motion granted by the Grand Lodge.
and harmony prevailed throughout the jurisdiction, which report
was approved by the Grand Lodge, after which the Grand Lodge
was called off to come on in a Grand Lodge of Sorrow this evening
at 8 o'clock in the auditorium of Corinthian Baptist Church.
The Grand Lodge assembled in the Auditorium of Corinthian

Baptist Church and conducted the ritualistic Grand Lodge of
Sorrow in the presence of a large audience.
The Grand Lodge resumed labor at 10 A. M. with Deputy Grand

Master E. C. Martin presiding.
The minutes of yesterday afternoon were read and approved,
A communication was read from Past Grand Matron Maud M.
Brewton of the Electa Grand Chapter of 0. E. S. and was on motion
entered in our minutes.
The report of the Committee on Jurisprudence was taken up and
approved including the resolution to drop the first "A" of our title
"A. F. & A. M."
A supplemental report was made by the Committee on Juris-
prudence in answer to the question "Who is the Grand Master at
this time?" the answer being that since M. W. Bro. Carl M. Mays has
returned to the Jurisdiction and is present, he is still Grand Master
and shall be until his successor is elected.
The Grand Custodian, Rt. W. Bro. Wm. A. Givens made a
splendid report, which was approved.
247
The Grand Secretary made his report showing total receipts in

Relief Department $1,901; paid on Relief claims $1,208, leaving in
Relief Dept. a balance of $693.54. Receipts of Gen. fund $1,417.18;
disbursed from Gen. fund $586.24, leaving in Gen fund $840.94.
Grand Lodge called off until 2 P. M.
The Grand Lodge resumed labor at 2 P. M., and the minutes of the
morning session were read and approved.
The Committee on Dispensations and Charters made its report
which was approved.
The question as to the life of a Grand Lodge Demit was referred
to the Committee on Jurisprudence, which after consultation
referred the Grand Lodge to Code Sec. 188 clause "c" which provides
that such a Demit is good for one year from date of issue only,
which report was approved by the Grand Lodge.
The matter of the indebtedness of Corinthian Lodge in the sum of
$217 was taken up and a motion, prevailed that in view of the
payment of $100 by said Lodge the balance of said indebtedness be
cancelled.
The Committee on Returns reported and report was approved.
The Grand Lodge then proceeded to the election of officers which
resulted with the election of the following:
Grand Master, Howard Brown (34); S. G. W., Louis J.

Henry (19); J. G. W., Wm. T. McKee (4); G. Treas., H. A.
Martin (29); G. Sec., T. C. Culberson (21); G. Custodian,
Powell Gibson (17).
The Grand Master elect then announced the following

appointments:
Deputy G. M., Paul D. Goodloe (30); G. Chap., Jas. B.

Mitchell (2); G. Auditor, Beverly Taylor (17); G. Marshall, C.
C. Johnson (30); C. C. F. C., Branham N. Hyde (2); S. G. D.,
Henry Eskridge (35); J. G. D., Clarence Bryant (2); S. G. S.,
Chas. Morris (42); J. G. S., H. Aldridge (43); G. St. Bearer,
Wald Bernard (34); C. Sw. Bearer, A. 0. Powell (39); G.
Pursuivant, F. H. Garwood; G. Tyler, G. W. Perkins (17) and
G. M. of Ceremonies, Win. A. Givens (32).
These officers having been duly installed by Past Grand Master S.

Joe Brown, the Grand Lodge was declared closed in Ample Form.
HOWARD BROWN, Grand Master,
248
Occasional Grand Lodge for Burial of P. S. G. W., N. L. Black was

held in Washington, Iowa, August 17th, 1944. Pursuant to
instruction from M. W. Grand Master Howard Brown, who was
unable to be present in person, Rt. W. Deputy Grand Master, Paul D.
Goodloe, convened an occasional Grand Lodge at Washington, Iowa,
with the following acting Grand Officers:
Paul D. Goodloe, Grand Master; S. Joe Brown, acting

Senior Grand Warden; T. H. McKee, Junior Grand Warden; H.
A. Martin, Grand Treasurer and C. T. Culberson, Grand
Secretary with the appointed officers' stations filled by
brethren from Golden Star (4), Pearl City (39), Hiram (19),
Dubuque (29), McNiel (21) and Doric (30)
proceeded to the Hill Funeral Home in Washington, Iowa, where in

the presence of a large audience composed of Bro. Black's friends
and neighbors of both races, the pastor of the white Presbyterian
Church, who had once been an employee of Bro. Black gave a
beautiful eulogy and Acting Grand Master Goodloe conducted the
regulation Masonic Burial service, after which the Grand Lodge
accompanied the remains to the cemetery and deposited it with
the regulation funeral honors and the Grand Lodge was declared
closed in Ample Form.
PAUL D. GOODLOE (30), Acting Grand Master,

Occasional Grand Lodge for burial of P. G. M., W. W. Gross, was

held in Keokuk, Iowa, October 29th, 1944.
The Most Worshipful United Grand Lodge of Iowa, A. F. A. M.
(Prince Hall Affiliation) convened in Union Hall at 2:30 O'Clock in the
afternoon to pay its final tribute to Past Grand Master, Brother W. W.
Gross, who passed away at 11:45 o'clock Friday October 27th, 1944.
The following officers and members were present:
Rt. W. Senior Grand Warden Louis Henry (19), who acted

as Grand Master; Rt. W. Bro. B. F. Weldon (1), who acted as
Senior Grand Warden; Rt. W. Bro. T. H. McKee (4), junior
Grand, Warden; W. Bro. A. W. Draine (1), acting Grand Sec.,
W. Bro. W. P. Busch (1), acting Grand Chaplain; W. Bro. T. F.
Perkins (1), acting Senior Grand Deacon; W. Bro. B. F.
Hopkins (19), acting Junior Grand Deacon; Bro. Muriel Reed
(1), acting Sen. Grand Steward; Bro. Julius Collins (19),
249
acting Junior Grand Steward; Bro. W. C. Allen (1), acting

Grand Tyler and the following acting as Pall Bearers: M. W.
Bro. F. S. Johnson (1); T. F. Perkins (1); A. W. Draine (1);
Geo. Snoddy (1). B. F. Weldon (1); and W. T. McKee (4) .
The Grand Lodge was formed into a Masonic Procession and

proceeded to the residence of our late Past Grand Master W. W.
Gross where Rt. W. Bro. Louis J. Henry conducted the regulation
Burial Service and resolutions were read on behalf of Hiram Lodge
(19) and on behalf of Union Lodge (1) and two appropriate songs
were sung by Mrs. Cecile Bates and the Rev. Mr. Phillips officiated as
minister,
At the conclusion of the service the Grand Lodge returned to the
hall and the acting Grand Secretary was instructed to file a copy of
the minutes of the session with Rt. W. Grand Secretary C. T.
Culberson.
At this time remarks were made by Bros. F. S. Johnson, T. F.
Perkins, Muriel Reed, B. F. Weldon, Geo. F. Snoddy, W. P. Busch, W.
C. Alden and A. W. Draine of Union Lodge (1) also by M. W. Bro. Geo.
L. Suter, Past Grand Master (20), T. H. McKee (4), B. F. Hopkins (19)
and Julius Collins (19), after which the Grand Lodge was closed in
Ample Form.
J. L. HENRY (19), Acting Grand Master,
A. W. DRAINE (1), Acting Grand Secretary.
FIFTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION
On July 9th, 1945, representatives of the various subordinate

Lodges assembled at Bethel A. M. E. Church at Cedar Rapids. Grand
Master Howard Brown, had the roll of Lodges called and there being
a constitutional number present, proceeded to fill the stations as
follows:
Grand Master, Howard Brown (34); S. G. W., L. J. Henry

(19); J. G. W., T. H. McKee (4); G. Treas., H. A. Martin (29);
G. Sec., C. T. Culberson (21); G. Custodian, I. D. Phillips (17);
Deputy G. M., Paul D. Goodloe (30); S. G. D., N. F. Gray (2); J.
G. D., Henry Eskridge (35); S. G. S., Chas. Morris (42); J. G. S.,
_______ Gordon (42); G. Sw. Bearer, __________ Jackson (35);
G. St. Bearer, A. D. Green (30); G. Marshall, H. Toney (2 1); G.
M. of Ceremonies, W. A. Givens (32).
The Grand Master then declared the Grand Lodge open in Ample
Form for the dispatch of business and proceeded to appoint the
following Committees:
250
On Credentials, T. M. Kelley (2) and Claud Downey (43);

on Dispensations and Charters, B. F. Hopkins (43), W. L.
Toney (21) and ________Sturgis (21); on Returns, E. C. Martin
(34), _________ Payton (39), and ___________Henderson (
_____ ); on Appeals and Grievances, A. C. Anderson (43); H.
Green (19) and --------- Reed (1); on Fraternal Dead, B. Grayson
(4), and John Danforth (2); on Grand Officers' Addresses,
Branham N. Hyde (2), Rice Lintz (4) and Chas. Coleman (30);
and on Publicity, B. Taylor (17) and I, D. Phillips (17).
The minutes of the last Grand Session showed the unfinished

business brought forward was the adoption of the resolution
approved at the last Grand Session to drop the first "A" from our
name making it read "F. & A. M." instead of "A. F. & A. M.". The
matter having been explained by Past Grand Master S. Joe Brown,
the chairman of the Committee on Jurisprudence that had
recommended it at last Grand Session, a standing vote was taken
and the resolution passed by a vote of twenty-five to seven, and the
Grand Master announced that the constitution had been so
amended that hereafter we shall be known as the United Grand
Lodge of F. & A. M. (Prince Hall Affiliation) for Iowa and
Jurisdiction.
The Grand Master delivered his Annual Address which was
referred to the proper committee and the Grand Lodge was then
called to refreshment until tomorrow morning at 9 A. M.
School of Instruction
At 2 P. M. the Grand Custodian opened a Lodge and entered,

passed and raised the following candidates:
W. C. Jetter, McKinley Fisher, Paul Ware, LeRoy Hester,

Chas. Clay, Thos. Washington, Eugene Warren, William
Miller, Murphy White, Frank L. Allsop, Hallard Bell, Wendell
Carter, Frank Garrison, Samuel Bell, Norman Simms and
Hosey Callahan,
Ruling of Board of Custodians
During the raising ceremonies Past Grand Master H. A. Martin,

Chairman of the Board of Custodians called attention to the fact
that the candidate should have on both socks; and Past Grand
Master S. Joe Brown, who was secretary of the Board at the time
251
read from the proceedings of the Board made in 1926 confirming the
ruling of P. G. M. Martin, and the candidates were so prepared.
Public Reception
At 8 P. M., the members of Mt. Olive Lodge gave a public

reception in honor of the members and visitors to the Grand
Lodge, with a program at Mt. Zion Baptist Church and refreshments
served in the spacious quarters of the "High Twelve Club",
composed of members of Mt. Olive Lodge.
The Grand Lodge resumed labor at 10 A. M. with Deputy Grand

Master Paul D. Goodloe in the chair.
The minutes of yesterday were read, corrected and adopted,
The Grand Pursuivant reported the presence of a committee of 0.
E. S. Ladies desiring admission.
The Grand Lodge was called to recreation and a committee
consisting of Bros. Branham N. Hyde, and Beverly Taylor escorted
into the hall Sisters Julia Reed, Past Grand Matron, Sister Rose
Johnson, Associate Grand Conductress and Sister 0. J. Smith, Worthy
Matron of Silver Leaf Chapter of the 0. E. S. who presented floral
offerings the one on behalf of Sister Sarah E. Jett, Worthy Grand
Matron, another on behalf of Sister Maude M. Brewton Past Grand
Matron, another on behalf of Sister Reed herself, others on behalf of
Silver Leaf Chapter and Rebecca Chapter both located in Cedar
Rapids, to which responses were made by Past Grand Master S. Joe
Brown, H. A. Martin and Percy Parker and also by Rev. A. R. Parks,
acting Grand Chaplain.
The Sisters were then excused and the Grand Lodge resumed
labor.
A motion by P. G. M., S. Joe Brown prevailed that a committee be
appointed to deposit some of the flowers upon the Grave of Past
Grand Master and Past Grand Patron W. H. Milligan, who founded the
Grand Chapter of 0. E. S. and who is buried in Cedar Rapids. This
motion was later amended to include the graves of Bro. Luther
Lowry, Past Junior Grand Warden and the wives of both these
brethren, all of whom are buried in Cedar Rapids.
Bros. 1. D. Phillips, Branham N. Hyde and A. R. Parks were
appointed to decorate the graves and Bro. S. J. Caulder, a member of
the Illinois jurisdiction residing in Cedar Rapids was appointed a
special committee to carry some of the flowers to sick brethren or
the sick widows of brethren in the city.
252
The Committee on Fraternal Dead reported the passing during the

year of Bro. Geo. Ashby (17); Wm. Carr (1); Albert Gater (130); Wm.
Smith (1); W. W. Gross (1); Spencer Elliston (30); F. G. Goggins (30,),
Sylvester Southers (30); N. L. Black (39); E. M. Brown (20); John Davie
(19); R. H. Brown (34); David Howard (32) and Clayborn Gould (2);
and recommended that a Grand Lodge of Sorrow be held in their
memory this evening at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church.
The report was adopted but in view of the fact that M. W. Bro. W.
W. Gross, was a Past Grand Master and the author of our ritualistic
service used in the Grand Lodge of Sorrow a brief Memorial was had
for him at this time in which each of the Past Grand Masters and
several other of the brethren spoke of the high esteem in which he
was held by the entire jurisdiction.
The Grand Custodian then submitted his report which was
received and referred to the Board of Custodians.
Grand Master Howard Brown then announced that he had
appointed a special committee to push the raising of funds for the
publication of the Clark History, which committee consisted of the
Grand Master and the two Grand Wardens and each made report,
the Grand Master that he had secured twelve subscriptions, the,
Senior Grand Warden that he had secured twelve and the junior
Grand Warden that he had secured one at $2.00 each.
A motion by Past Grand Master Hyde prevailed that this action
of the Grand Master be approved and that this committee be
continued for another year and that the W. M. of each Lodge be
requested to report to one of the members of this committee once
each month the number of subscriptions he has secured in his
lodge.
The Grand Lodge was then called to refreshment to come on in
Grand Lodge of Sorrow at Mt. Zion Baptist at 8 P. M.
At 8 P. M. the brethren assembled at the Mt. Zion Baptist

Church where in the presence of a large audience the Grand Master
with the assistance of the other Grand Officers conducted the
ritualistic Grand Lodge of Sorrow, with Rt. W. Bro. Louis J. Henry
delivering a beautiful eulogy on the deceased brethren,
The Grand Lodge resumed labor at 10 A. M. and the minutes of

yesterday read and approved.
253

and harmony prevailed throughout the Jurisdiction, which motion
was adopted.
The Committee on Dispensation and Charters reported
approving the action of the Grand Master in revoking the Charter of
Pearl City No. 39 because of the depletion of its membership, which
report was adopted.
Past Grand Master S. Joe Brown then gave a brief resume of the
contents of the Clark History and impressed upon the brethren how
important it was that each brother subscribe for a copy so that it
might be published.
Subscriptions were opened and seventeen more subscriptions
were received; and Bro. H. Williams contributed $1.00 making a total
sum of $35.00 added to the publication fund.
The Grand Lodge was then called to refreshment to resume at 1
P. M.
The Grand Lodge resumed labor at 1:30 P. M. and the minutes of

the morning were read, corrected and adopted.
The Grand Treasurer made his final report showing total receipts
in the General Fund $1,977.17 from which had been disbursed
$630.76. Total in History Fund $91.00. Receipts of Relief Fund
$2,018.94 and disbursed $1,553.00 leaving balance in Relief Fund
$465.94, which report was referred to the Auditing Committee.
The Credential Committee then reported fifteen Lodges
represented together with fifty-one Past Masters making the voting
strength of the Grand Lodge ninety-six.
On suggestion of Past Grand Master Hyde the Grand Lodge voted
that a committee consisting of the Grand Secretary and two others to
be appointed by the Grand Master be authorized to condense and
publish the proceedings since 1937, the date of our last publication.
The Grand Master appointed Past Grand Masters Hyde and S. Joe
Brown as members of such committee with Bro. Hyde as Chairman.
The Grand Lodge then proceeded to the election of officers for
the ensuing year which resulted in the election of the following:
Grand Master, Paul D. Goodloe (30); S. G. W., Beverly

Taylor (17); J. G. W., Henry Eskridge (15); G. Treas., H. A.
Martin (29); G. Sec., C. T. Culberson (21); and G. Custodian,
T. M. Kelley (3).
The Grand Master Elect announced the following appointments:
254
Deputy G. M., L. J. Henry (19); G. Chap., Rev. D. 0. Boll

(17); S. G. D., Albert Saunders (34); J. G. D., N. A. Raglin (20);
S. G. S., Birdie Jackson (35); J. G. S., Dey Johnson (21); G. St.
Bearer, Holland Williams (21); G. Sw. Bearer, Claude Downey
(42); G. Pursuivant, H. A. Aldridge (43); G. M. of Ceremonies,
W. Benhardt (3); and G. Tyler, Wm. A. Givens ('32); and the
following Committee Chairmen: on Foreign Correspondence,
Branham N. Hyde (2); on jurisprudence, S. Joe Brown (3,0);
on Grand Officers' Addresses. W. P. Parker (34); on Appeals
and Grievances, A. D. Green (30); on Fraternal Dead, M. Reed
(1); on Credentials, E. Pitts (17); on Dispensations and
Charters, F. Williams (4) and Grand Auditor, N. F. Gray (2).
These officers were formally installed by Past Grand Master S. Joe

Brown and the Grand Lodge closed in Ample Form, to come on in
Waterloo July 8th 1946.
PAUL D. GOODLOE, Grand Master,

C. T. CULBERSON Grand Secretary.
FIFTY-NINTH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION
The 59th Annual Communication was held in the Union Baptist

Church, Waterloo, Iowa, where the Grand Custodian, T. M. Kelley,
opened a Lodge on Monday morning, July 8th, and with the
assistance of the brethren entered, passed and raised eleven
candidates.
On Monday evening the members of the Grand Lodge were
tendered a reception at the St. John's A. M. E. Church where
addresses of welcome were given by representatives of the City
Council, the two 0. E. S. Chapters and of the local Lodge of
I.B.P.O.E.W. to which, responses were made by Past Grand Master
S. Joe Brown, Past Grand Master H. A. Martin, Past Junior Grand
Warden, T. ff. McKee, and Past Grand Master Carl M. Mays Also by
M. W. Bro. Paul D. Goodloe, Grand Master.
On Tuesday morning the Grand Master formally opened the
Grand Lodge with stations filled as follows:
Grand Master, Paul D. Goodloe (30); S. G. W.. Beverly

Taylor (17); J. G. W., W. H. Eskridge (.15); G. Treas., H. A.
Martin (29); C. Sec., C. T. Culberson (21); Deputy 0. M., L. J.
Henry (19); G. Chap., Rev. D. 0. Bell (17); S. G. D., A. Saunders
(32); J. G. D., 1. H. Phillips (17); S. G. S., B. Jackson (35); J. G.
S., D. Johnson (21), G. Sw. Bearer, C. Downey (42); G. Master
255
of Ceremonies, C. Bernhart (3); C. Pursuivant, Roy Hester

(17) and G. Tyler, C. D. Herndon (12).
The Grand Master read his Annual Address giving a full report of
the condition of the craft and deplored the passing during the year
of twelve brethren viz. C. K. Davis (2); W. Williams (39); Geo.
Langdon (32); W. Parter (21); S. A. Walker (30); L. McGhee (35);
Thos. Wingfield (?); B. Warricks (19); Edw. Weeks (2); Alex Copeland
(2); R. Franklin (4) and Edw. Bane (19) and recommended that a
Grand Lodge of Sorrow be held in their memory on Tuesday evening
which was done.
The Grand Master placed special stress upon the importance of

our having the very valuable History of the Grand Lodge, compiled
by the late Past Grand Master A. G. Clark, printed and
recommended that funds for that purpose be appropriated from the
Grand Lodge Treasury, which was done by the adding of an
additional $500 to the sum of $304 which had been paid in by
various brethren during the past seven years, making a nucleus of
$804.00, which the Grand Lodge ordered placed in the hands of a
special Committee to be appointed by the Grand Master; and the
Grand Master later appointed as such committee, Past Grand
Master S. Joe Brown, the only living member of the original
committee appointed at the Grand Communication of 1929, and
Past Grand Master Branham N. Hyde and Carl M. Mays. The reports
showed that the Grand Lodge was in the best condition both
numerically and financially that it had been in twenty years, there
being a total membership of 584 and a balance in the combined
treasuries of near two thousand dollars after the payment of one
hundred dollars to the dependents of the twelve brethren who had
passed during the year and the payment of all the expenses of the
Grand Session.
On Wednesday afternoon, all other business having been
concluded the Grand Lodge proceeded to the election of officers and
re-elected by separate unanimous ballot all the elective officers after
which the Grand Master re-appointed all appointive officers except
the Grand Tyler, appointing to that station, W. Bro. Henry R.
Kendrick, Worshipful Master of Decatur Lodge No. 14 at Sioux City,
where the Grand Lodge had unanimously voted to hold its sixtieth
Grand Communication commencing Monday, July 7, 1947.
256
CHAPTER VII
(PRINCE HALL MASONRY)
A Genealogical History
As traced by regular succession up and through Hiram Grand

Lodge (1884) and African Grand Lodge (1881) of Iowa;
Missouri (1865), Ohio (1849), Pennsylvania (1815),
Massachusett s (1791), African Lodge. No. 459 (1784), Grand
Lodge of England (1717).
UNITED GRAND LOGE OF IOWA--1887

A full report of the proceedings of the convention in which this
Grand Lodge was organized will be found in the printed proceedings
for the year 1887. The Convention met in the hall of North Star Lodge
No. 2, in Des Moines, Iowa, at 3 p. in., July 12, 1887. Twenty lodges,
seven from Hiram Grand Lodge, and thirteen belonging to African
Grand Lodge, were represented. The Committee on Credentials
reported 51 delegates present and entitled to one vote each and each
lodge three votes each. All working lodges in Iowa at that time were
represented. Centerville Lodge U. D. claimed by Hiram Grand Lodge,
and John G. Jones, Lodge No. 5, Council Bluffs, African Grand Lodge
register, were defunct and took no part in the convention.
A permanent organization was effected by electing Alexander
Clark, Grand Master of Hiram Grand Lodge, Chairman; J. K. Hilyard,
Grand Lecturer of African Grand Lodge, Vice Chairman; Geo. H.
Cleggett, Grand Master of African Grand Lodge, Secretary, and M. N.
Bell, Grand Secretary of Hiram Grand Lodge, Assistant Secretary.
The resolution to unite and form the United Grand Lodge of Iowa,
A. F. & A. M. was passed on the second day, Wednesday, July 13,
1887, the vote being 58 for to 53 against. On Thursday, July 14, 1887,
the following officers were elected and installed:
Grand Master, Geo. H. Cleggett, Des -Moines. Deputy Grand
Master, John Simms, Oskaloosa. Senior Grand Warden, W. H.
Jones, Keokuk. Junior Grand Warden, E. C. Thomas, Cedar
Rapids, Grand Treasurer, D. W. Anderson, Keokuk, Grand
Secretary, J. E. Gilliam, Keokuk,
HIRAM GRAND LODGE, IOWA, 1884
Organized August 26, 1884, in the Hall of North Star Lodge, No. 31,
East Des Moines, dissolved July 14, 1887.
257
The record says: "Pursuant to a regular call issued as per

arrangement made on the 23rd day of April 1884," the following Iowa
lodges belonging to the Grand Lodge of Missouri, met in convention
and resolved to form the M. W. Hiram Grand Lodge of Iowa; Clark
Lodge, No. 6, Davenport; North Star, No. 31, East Des Moines; Sims
Lodge, No. 50, Oskaloosa; Star Lodge, No. 51, Keokuk; Reed Lodge,
No. 79, Red Oak; Mt. Olive, No. 86, Cedar Rapids; Cedar Grove, U. D.
Muchakinock; Centerville Lodge, U. D., had been notified, but was
not represented.
The following officers were elected:
Grand Master, Alexander Clark, Muscatine. Deputy Grand

Master, A. Harris, Keokuk. Senior Grand Warden, A. A.
Pierce, Cedar Rapids. Junior Grand Warden, Joseph
Jimmeson, Muchakinock. Grand Treasurer, John Sims,
Oskaloosa. Grand Secretary, M. N. Bell, East Des Moines.
It held annual session in Keokuk, 1885; Oskaloosa, 1886; Des Moines,

1887. Its records are preserved in printed proceeding 1884, 1885 and
in the organization proceedings of the United Grand Lodge, 1887.
Alexander Clark was its first and only Grand Master. Miles N. Bell was
its only Grand Secretary. It granted one warrant to Cedar Grove No. 4,
Muchakinock.
AFRICAN GRAND LODGE, IOWA, 1881
Organized at Keokuk, August 9, 1881; dissolved July 14, 1887. The

record says: "In response to the will of the Chairman, the following
lodges (Missouri Register) duly represented, met in the city of
Keokuk, Aug. 9, 1881," and resolved to organize themselves into a
Grand Lodge for the State of Iowa:
Sumner Lodge, No. 41, Burlington; John G. Jones Lodge No.

91, Council Bluffs; Golden Star Lodge, No. 80, Ottumwa.;
North Star Lodge, No. 31 , Des Moines; York Lodge, No. 8,
Keokuk,
The following officers were elected and installed:
Grand Master, John Page, Des Moines; Deputy Grand Master,

John L. Brooks, Burlington; Junior Grand Warden, M. C.
Thomson, Ottumwa; Senior Grand Warden, Geo. W. Black,
Washington; Treasurer, Orange Fields, Keokuk; Secretary, A.
A. Bland, Keokuk.
258
It held annual sessions at Des Moines, (1882), Burlington (1883),

Ottumwa (1884), St. Paul (1885), Keokuk (1886), Des Moines (1887).
The full records of its organization and its annual communications
are preserved in its printed proceedings for each year. Was
incorporated under the title of M. W. African Grand Lodge, A. F. & A.
M. for the State of Iowa. The following were its Grand Masters: John
Page, Des Moines, 1881; John L. Brooks, Burlington, 1882; Joseph H.
Shepard, Des Moines, 1883; A, A. Bland, Keokuk, 1884, 1885. Geo. H.
Cleggett, Des Moines, 1,886, 1887. It organized and granted warrants
to six new lodges.
THE GRAND LODGE OF MISSOURI, 1865
From the records we have before us, we learn that: "Returning from
this session (The Grand Lodge of Ohio) which closed June 24, 1865,
the Missouri members invited the three lodges in St. Louis, Mo., to
the formation of a new Masonic center. In July 1865, several weeks
-subsequent, a convention of these, with Past Masters and old
members residing in St. Louis, was held in the Masonic Hall. There
was a full representation of the H. McGee Alexander No. 8: Prince
Hall, No. 10, and Lone Star No. 22, by their respective Masters and
Wardens. At this convention the Grand Lodge of was organized with
the following officers:
Grand Master, H. McGee Alexander; Senior Grand Warden,

John Sexton; Junior Grand Warden, Geo. Phillips; Grand
Treasurer, H. P. Brooks; Grand Lecturer, Rev. Moses Dixon;
Grand Secretary, Wm. Roberson.
At this meeting the Grand Secretary was instructed to procure a

warrant from the National Grand Lodge, which he received on July 5,
1866, and a special communication was held in St. Louis, December
20, 21, 22, 1866. In the meantime two lodges had been established in
Iowa, York Lodge U. D. at Keokuk, and Clark Lodge U. D. at
Muscatine, by Rev. Moses Dixon, Grand Lecturer.
GRAND LODGE OF OHIO, 1849
The three lodges which organized the Grand Lodge of Ohio were
organized and warranted by "The First Independent African Grand
Lodge of North America for Pennsylvania." In the Official History of
the Grand Lodge of Ohio, (Page 31), we find following record:
259
Whereas the delegates of Corinthian Lodge No. 17, True

American Lodge No. 26, and St. John's Lodge No. 27, of Free
and Accepted Ancient York Masons, subordinate to the
Grand Lodge for the State of Pennsylvania in convention
assembled in the city of Cincinnati, State of Ohio, May 3, A.
D. 1849, A, L. 5849, ceased working under the jurisdiction of
the Grand Lodge for the State of Pennsylvania, and organized
and established a Grand Lodge for State of Ohio."
The following officers were elected.
Grand Master, Thos. W. Stringer; Deputy Grand Master,

Richard H. Gleaves; Senior Grand Warden, Joseph C. King;
Junior Grand Warden, Ephraim Brancroft; Grand Treasurer,
George Peterson; Grand Secretary, 0. T. B. Nickens.
Ohio established three lodges in. the State of Missouri, Prince

No. 10, 1851; H. McGee Alexander, No. 8, 1864, and Lone Star No.
22, 1861. A full account of the withdrawal of these lodges and the
causes leading up to it may be found in the report on Foreign
Correspondence Willis N. Brent and published in the Missouri
Proceedings for 1876. It is copied verbatim in the Official History of
the Grand Lodge of Ohio, page 97.
GRAND LODGE OF PENNSYLVANIA, 1815
On St. John's Day, December 27, 1815, a convention of the craft

was held for the purpose of organizing a Grand Lodge for the State of
Pennsylvania. It assembled at Masonic Hall, 155 Lombard Street, and
consummated the organization by the election of Rev. Bro. Absalom
Jones, Grand Master; Richard Parker, Deputy Grand Master; Thos.
Depee, Senior Grand Warden; Prim Clover Junior Grind Warden; Peter
Richmond, Grand Secretary. The subordinate lodges surrendered
their old warrants to the Mother Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, and
took out warrants from the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. The title of
the Grand Lodge was fixed as follows: "The First Independent Grand
Lodge of F. & A. M. of North America for the State of Pennsylvania."
The lodges which took part were re-warranted and numbered as
follows: Union, No. 1: Laurel, No. 2; and Phoenix, No. 3. These lodges
were all warranted by Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.
260
PRINCE HALL GRAND LODGE OF MASSACHUSETTS, 1791
Of the organization of this Grand Lodge, Dr. W. H. Grimshaw in

his History of Free Masonry, Chapter IX says: "On June 24, 1791, a
general assembly of the craft was held at Masonic Hall, Golden
Fleece, Water Street, Boston, Mass., for the purpose of organizing a
Grand Lodge of Masons for Massachusetts." It was named African
Grand Lodge of Boston, Mass., and the following Grand Officers
elected.
Grand Master, Prince Hall; Deputy Grand Master, Nero

Prince; Senior Grand Warden, Cyrus Forbs; Junior Grand
Warden, Geo. Middleton; Grand Secretary, Prince Taylor;
Grand Treasurer, Peter Best.
The Grand Officers were installed in Ample form by Grand

Master Prince Hall, assisted by brethren from St. Andrew's lodge
(White). It later became known as African Grand Lodge of
Massachusetts, and after the death of Prince Hall, in 1807, at the
meeting in 1808, the name was changed to Prince Hall Grand Lodge,
by which it is now known.
AFRICAN LODGE NO. 459, 1784
The warrant for this lodge was issued to Prince Hall and his
followers by the Grand Lodge of England under date of September
29, 1784. It was received by him in Boston on April 29, 1787. It is the
recognized authority for all regular Negro Masonry in America, and
its regularity has been established beyond the possibility of
dispute. See copy of warrant.
GRAND LODGE OF ENGLAND, 1717
The great Masonic event of the eighteenth century, says Mr.

Gould in his history, was the Assembly of 1717, out of which
sprang the Grand Lodge of England, the mother of Grand Lodges.
The lodges that met on St. John Baptist's Day, June 24, 1717, at
the Goose and Gridiron alehouse, were:
1 . Goose and Gridiron alehouse, in St. Paul's Churchyard,

2. Crown alehouse, in Parker's Lane, near Drury Lane,
3. Apple Tree tavern, in Charles Street, Covent Garden,
4. Rummer & Grapes tavern, in Channel Row, Westminister.
261
They and some old brothers met at the said Apple Tree, and
having put into the chair the oldest Master Mason (now the Master
of a lodge), they constituted themselves a Grand Lodge pro tempore
in due form, and forthwith revived the quarterly communication of
officers of lodges, (called the Grand Lodge), resolved to hold the
Annual Assembly and Feast, and then choose a, Grand Master from
among themselves, till they should have the honor of a noble birth
at their head.
Accordingly, on St. John's Baptist Day, in the third year of King
George I., A. D. 1717. The Assembly and Feast of the Free and
Accepted Masons was held at the aforesaid Goose and Gridiron
alehouse.
Before dinner the oldest Master Mason (now the Master of a
lodge) in the chair, proposed a list of proper candidates and the
brethren by a majority of hands, elected Mr. Anthony Sayer. Gaul ton,
Grand Master of Masons, who, being forthwith invested with the
badges of office and power by the said oldest Master and installed,
was duly congratulated by the assembly, who paid him the homage.
(The History of Freemasonry by Roberts Freke Gould, 1886.)
262
GRAND OFFICERS OF THE THREE GRAND LODGES

EXERCISING JURISDICTION IN IOWA
AFRICAN GRAND LODGE

1881-1945
Year Gr. Master Dep. Gr. Master Sr. Gr. Warden

1881 John Page John L. Brooks G. W. Black
1882 John L. Brooks J. H. Shepherd J. E. Gilliam
1883 J. H. Shepherd J. E. Gilliam S. H. Martin
1884 A. A. Bland J. K. Hilyard S. H. McCracken
1885 A. A. Bland J. K. Hilyard W. T. Ewing
1886 G. H. Cloggett Orange Fields J. E. Shepperson
Year Jr. Gr. Warden Gr. Treasurer Gr. Secretary
1881 M. C. Thomson Orange Fields A. A. Gland
1882 Z. Taylor Orange Fields A. A. Bland
1883 Jas. Higgins Orange Fields G. H. Cleggett
1884 Wm. Coulson Orange Fields G. H. Cleggett
1885 J. G. Sterritt H. H. Lewis G. H. Cleggett
1886 E. W. Vaughn H. H. Lewis J. E. Gilliam
Year Gr. Lecturer Gr. Chaplain Gr. Register
1881 J. E. Gilliam Jas. Higgins G. H. Cleggett
1882 G. W. Black Geo. Bland W. A. Lane
1883 E. W. Vaughn Jas. Higgins
1884 E. W. Vaughn Geo. Bland
1885 C. W. Newton Geo. Bland E. L. Shaw
1886 J. K. Hilyard C. W. Newton Enoch Shaw
Geo. Bland
C. W. Newton
Geo. Bland
Jas. Higgins
L. H. Reynolds
Year G.M. Ceremonies Gr. Marshall G. Sword Bearer
1881 T. R. Van Pelt C. W. Newton P. Jackson
1882 E. Ridley G. H. Coggett Wm. Coulson
1883 John Williams W. H. Milligan A. Winn
1884 Jas. Higgins Geo. W. Back Allen Winn
1885 John Williams A. H. Myrick Lewis Mayes
1886 G. W. Black A. Winn Lewis Mayes
Year Gr. St. Bearer Sr. Gr. Deacon Jr. Gr. Deacon
1881 F. D. Bland John Williams Zack Taylor
1882 W. T. Ewing S. H. Martin J. Paine
1883 N. Cortwright W. T. Ewing Zack Taylor
1884 H. W. Gray N. W. Bettis Enoch Shaw
1885 R. Reynolds Nathan Waller J. E. Shepperson
1886 H. Hall H. W. Gray N. Cortwright
Year Sr. Gr. Steward Jr. Gr. Steward Gr. Pursuivant
1881 H. H. Lewis Selby Johnson W. A. Lane
1882 J. Williams Enoch Shaw F. D. Bland
1883 Wm. Coulson Louis Mayes F. D. Bland
1884 J. E. Shepperson J. G. Sterritt B. J. Fuller
1885 F. Howell H. W. Gray Haywood Hall
263
Year Sr. Gr. Steward Jr. Gr. Steward Gr. Pursuivant

1886 R. H. Taylor B. J. Fuller G. B. Williams
(Second Printing Note: The following officers were appointed/elected for the
years indicated but no title of office was given in the text of the first printing.)
1881 C. F. C. A. A. Bland Geo. W. Black J. L. Brooks

1882 C. F. C. A. A. Bland John Page H. H. Lewis
1883 C. F. C. A. A. Bland G. H. Cleggett H. H. Lewis
1884 C. F. C. J. E. Gilliam G. H. Cleggett H. H. Lewis
1885 C. F. C. E. W. Vaughn J. L. Brooks Orange Fields
1886 C. F. C. A. A. Bland J. L. Brooks S. H. McCracken
HIRAM GRAND LODGE

1884-1886
1884 Alexander Clark Alfred Harris A. A. Pierce
1885 Alexander Clark L. H. Reynolds A. A. Pierce
1886 Alexander Clark A. A. Pierce Jas. Jemerson
1884 Jas. Jemerson John Sims M. N. Bell
1885 Syke Fox John Sims M. N. Bell
1886 A. F. Bird John Sims M. N. Bell
Year Gr. Register Gr. Lecturer Gr. Chaplain
1884 J. D. Bush L. H. Reynolds Rev. W. A. Dove
1885 J. D. Bush Jas. Jemerson Rev. W. A. Dove
1886 O. B. Claire Syke Fox Rev. W. A. Dove
Year Gr. Chaplain Gr. Chaplain G.M. of Ceremonies
1884 Rev. G. Chambers Rev. E. C. Thomas B. F. Pemuston
1885 Rev. A. F. Bird Rev. E. C. Thomas J. L. Leachman
1886 D. W. Anderson Rev. E. C. Thomas J. Morris
(Second Printing Note: The apparent triplication of Grand Chaplains appears

in the first printing as such.)
Year Gr. Marshall Dep. Sw. Bearer Gr. St. Bearer

1884 T. H. Benton Syke Fox J. S. Reed
1885 J. L. Bedell R. Krys N. Dorsett
1886 T. H. Benton T. J. Marshall J. O. Williams
Year Sr. Gr. Deacon Jr. Gr. Deacon Sr. Gr. Steward
1884 O. B. Claire R. Cryst J. E. Todd
1885 G. H. Jones J. E. Todd Jas. Barber
1886 R. S. Brown H. Kitchen N. Daniels
Year Jr. Gr. Steward Gr. Pursuivant Gr. Tyler
1884 J. O. Williams C. C. Gomers
1885 W. A. Sercey H. Kitchen C. S. Gomers
1886 J. E. Todd C. Davis C. S. Gomers
Year C. C. F. C. C. C. F. C. C. C. F. C.
1884 M. N. Bell D. Bush L. H. Reynolds
1885 M. N. Bell A. J. Harris L. H. Reynolds
1886 M. N. Bell A. J. Harris Alex. Clark
264
GRAND OFFICERS OF THE UNITED LODGE

A. F. & A. M. FOR IOWA AND JURISDICTION
1887 G. H. Cleggett John Sims W. H. Jones
1888 J. K. Hilyard C. S. Gomer J. S. Martin
1889 J. E. Gilliam Geo. W. Black J. H. Bruden
1890 J. E. Gilliam J. S. Martin E. T. Banks
1891 J. E. Gilliam E. T. Banks D. Wear
1892 John D. Reeler E. C. Thomas Geo. Baptist
1893 John D. Reeler Jas. Woodfork N. B. Nailen
1894 John D. Reeler Jas. Higgins Wm. Fields
1895 A. A. Bland Wm. Fields J. Washington
1896 A. A. Bland Jas. Washington G. L. Suter
1897 Jas. Washington I. L. Brown T. A. Coleman
1898 I. L. Brown Wm. Coulson Robt. Johnson
1899 I. L. Brown Wm. Coulson J. F. Blagburn
1900 I. L. Brown Robt. Johnson Calvin Wheeler
1901 I. L. Brown Robt. Johnson J. F. Harris
1902 I. L. Brown W. W. Carey W. H. Milligan
1903 I. L. Brown W. W. Carey U. S. Jones
1904 I. L. Brown W. H. Milligan David Thomas
1905 W. H. Milligan S. L. Tiggs T. H. Sturgis
1906 W. H. Milligan No Appointment H. E. Jacobs
1907 W. H. Milligan J. W. Bland H. E. Jacobs
1908 W. H. Milligan C. R. Foster W. H. London
1909 W. H. Milligan D. W. Anderson W. J. Shepard
1910 W. H. Milligan Robt. Johnson E. T. Banks
1911 E. T. Banks D. W. Anderson Ed. Martin
1912 J. L. Thompson B. B. Bright M. O. Culberson
A. A. Bland
1913 J. L. Thompson H. E. Williams S. Joe Brown
1914 J. L. Thompson H. E. Williams L. R. Willis
1915 J. L. Thompson L. D. Lowery J. E. Bradford
1916 S. Joe Brown M. O. Culberson M. F. Askew
1917 W. W. Gross J. E. Bradford M. F. Askew
1918 W. W. Gross J. E. Bradford J. A. Spencer
1919 W. W. Gross Geo. L. Suiter Wm. Headlery
R. S. Taylor
1920 W. W. Gross B. J. Hack R. S. Taylor
1921 W. W. Gross H. E. Williams B. N. Hyde
1922 W. W. Gross J. E. Bradford C. C. Culberson
1923 J. E. Bradford H. E. Williams Thos. Lighon
N. L. Black
1924 A. G. Clark C. C. Johnson A. R. Joyce
1925 A. G. Clark M. F. Askew D. N. Crosthwait
1926 A. G. Clark M. F. Askew E. L. Dimitry
1927 H. E. Williams R. S. Taylor Geo. W. Shipley
1928 H. E. Williams H. B. Smith J. L. Nelson
1887 E. C. Thomas D. W. Anderson J. E. Gilliam
265
1888 E. T. Banks Syke Fox J. E. Gilliam

1889 Syke Fox G. H. Cleggett
1890 N. B. Nailen D. W. Crawford A. A. Bland
1891 W. A. Searcey D. W. Anderson J. D. Reeler
1892 Jas. Woodfork J. E. Gilliam M. N. Bell
1893 G. W. Baptist W. H. Milligan G. H. Cleggett
1894 John Williams A. A. Bland G. H. Cleggett
1895 W. H. Jones T. A. Coleman G. H. Cleggett
1896 T. A. Coleman E. T. Banks W. H. London
1897 Robt. Johnson E. T. Banks A. A. Bland
1898 Wm. Teler N. B. Nailen A. A. Bland
1899 C. Wheeler N. B. Nailen A. A. Bland
1900 J. F. Blagburn Wm. Coulson A. A. Bland
1901 W. H. Milligan Wm. Coulson J. F. Blagburn
1902 J. F. Harris Wm. Coulson A. A. Bland
1903 U. S. Jones Wm. Coulson A. A. Bland
1904 D. Thomas Wm. Coulson W. W. Gross
1905 W. H. Sturgis A. A. Bland H. K. Hillon
1906 J. W. Bland A. A. Bland H. K. Hillon
1907 H. E. Williams H. K. Hillon T. H. Sturgis
1908 H. E. Williams H. K. Hillon T. H. Sturgis
1909 Albert Walker H. K. Hillon T. H. Sturgis
1910 Ed. Martin H. K. Hillon T. H. Sturgis
1911 C. B. Woods H. K. Hillon W. W. Gross
1912 H. E. Williams W. H. Milligan W. W. Gross
1913 C. F. Davis M. O. Culberson W. W. Gross
1914 L. D. Lowry M. O. Culberson W. W. Gross
1915 M. F. Askew M. O. Culberson W. W. Gross
1916 Wm. Bailey J. D. Reeler W. W. Gross
1917 B. J. Hack J. D. Reeler Harry Rose
1918 W. P. Wade J. D. Reeler Harry Rose
1919 B. N. Hyde J. D. Reeler Harry Rose
1920 D. N. Crosthwait J. D. Reeler W. H. Bailey
1921 Ed. Askew J. D. Reeler Geo. L. Suter
1922 A. W. Steppe J. D. Reeler Geo. L. Suter
1923 Wm. Smith J. D. Reeler Geo. L. Suter
1924 W. A. Watts J. R. Reeler F. S. Johnson
1925 J. W. Young J. D. Reeler F. S. Johnson
1926 Clarence Coffman J. D. Reeler F. S. Johnson
1927 H. R. Crayton J. D. Reeler F. S. Johnson
1928 H. A. Martin J. D. Reeler F. S. Johnson
Year Gr. Lecturer Gr. Register Gr. Chaplain

1887 J. K. Hilyard C. S. Stewart C. W. Newton
L. H. Reynolds
1888 J. H. Shepherd R. A. Wilburn E. C. Thomas
J. M. Henderson
1889 E. W. Vaughn J. D. Reeler James Higgins
1890 A. J. Harris J. D. Reeler Wm. Davis
1891 E. C. Thomas Enoch Shaw W. A. Dove
1892 J. L. Brooks G. H. Cleggett Wm. Field
1893 G. W. Bembry C. H. Williams E. C. Thomas
1894 E. T. Banks A. G. Clark W. D. Crawford
1895 G. W. Day A. W. Draine F. J. Nott
1896 G. W. Bembry Joseph Woods Jas. Higgins
266
1897 R. S. Brown Joseph Woods Geo. Bembry

1898 J. L. Brooks T. H. Sturgis F. E. McNeill
1899 J. F. Harris Jos. L. Woods David Thomas
1900 W. H. London Jos. L. Woods R. R. Richardson
1901 Geo. L. Suter J. H. Richmond R. R. Richardson
1902 H. K. Hillon L. H. Johnson T. A. Coleman
1903 G. H. Cleggett L. H. Johnson W. A. Richardson
1904 J. F. Harris L. H. Johnson H. O. Woods
Gr. Custodian
1905 E. T. Banks L. D. Lowery G. E. Green
1906 E. T. Banks L. D. Lowery G. E. Green
1907 E. T. Banks L. D. Lowery Wilson Jones
1908 W. P. Wade L. D. Lowery W. D. Draine
1909 W. P. Wade H. E. Jacobs C. B. Woods
1910 W. J. Shepherd E. T. Blagburn C. B. Woods
1911 W. J. Shepherd Harrison Gould T. B. Stovall
1912 A. G. Clark Harrison Gould T. B. Stovall
1913 A. G. Clark Harry Rose T. B. Stovall
1914 A. G. Clark Harry Rose J. H. Reynolds
1915 S. Joe Brown Harry Rose I. W. Bess
1916 A. G. Clark Harry Rose I. W. Bess
1917 C. C. Johnson W. H. Bailey F. J. Nott
1918 C. C. Johnson W. H. Bailey M. O. Culberson
1919 C. C. Johnson W. H. Bailey M. O. Culberson
1920 J. E. Bradford H. W. Rose M. O. Culberson
1921 J. E. Bradford F. S. Johnson M. O. Culberson
1922 Albert Gates F. S. Johnson R. T. Lane
1923 Albert Gates F. S. Johnson R. T. Lane
1924 Wm. Bell J. B. Mitchell J. H. Reynolds
1925 Wm. Bell J. B. Mitchell H. R. Crayton
1926 H. B. Smith J. B. Mitchell H. R. Crayton
1927 H. B. Smith J. B. Mitchell I. W. Bess
1928 Wm. Oney J. B. Mitchell I. W. Bess
Year Sr. Gr. Deacon Jr. Gr. Deacon Gr. Marshall
1887 R. H. Taylor Syke Fox A. A. Bland
1888 A. H. Myrick B. J. Fuller E. W. Vaughn
1889 F. C. Bollin W. D. Crawford Archie Brown
1890 C. F. Davis Jas. Woodfork Walker Dyer
1891 W. H. Scott F. D. Bland James Todd
1892 W. H. Jones A. A. Pierce A. W. Bradford
1893 Geo. W. Day Geo. L. Suter J. L. Brooks
1894 Geo. L. Suter W. H. Milligan Jas. Woodfork
1895 G. H. Williams John Williams G. W. Baptist
1896 H. Woodard A. M. Daymon J. D. Reeler
1897 G. H. Williams Wm. Raspberry Robt. Hearn
1898 C. H. Wheeler J. F. Blagburn E. T. Banks
1899 L. A. Warren G. H. Jones Sant Tliner
1900 J. W. Rose G. W. Newman A. Richardson
1901 G. H. Jones H. G. Williams Geo. Taylor
1902 F. D. Fields W. W. Gross E. E. Jones
1903 J. L. Brooks Wm. Burrell J. H. Johnson
1904 T. H. Sturgis Albert Walker J. M. Logan
1905 J. M. Logan Z. A. Taylor Henry Jones
1906 H. A. Martin H. T. Elliott A. H. Montgomery
1907 H. A. Martin H. T. Elliott Wm. Burrell
267
1908 M. O. Culberson E. W. Martin W. J. Shepherd

1909 M. O. Culberson H. A. Martin C. R. Foster
1910 M. O. Culberson E. W. Martin C. Wheeler
1911 M. O. Culberson A. Walker Robt. Johnson
1912 L. R. Willis Robt. Johnson T. H. Sturgis
1913 H. A. Horne Robt. Johnson L. R. Willis
1914 Wm. Burrell J. F. Askew T. H. Raleigh
1915 Wm. Burrell Albert Walker Wm. Bailey
1916 Albert Walker R. T. Lane B. J. Hack
1917 Wm. Walker H. L. Walder H. A. Horne
1918 J. A. Wilson C. C. Gilmore C. W. Dickerson
1919 Geo. W. Ashby U. G. Smith R. D. Claybrook
1920 Albert Gates R. T. Lane J. W. Roberts
1921 Albert Gates H. B. Smith W. A. Givin
1922 Thos. Lloyd Wm. Bell W. A. Watts
1923 L. J. Carter A. R. Joyce F. F. Jackson
1924 W. H. Lanelle Shelton Pearl R. T. Lane
1925 Clarence Coffman Wm. Gordon Horace Spencer
1926 Wm. Houghton Horace Spencer A. O. Powell
1927 A. O. Powell G. E. Bailey Horace Spencer
1928 G. C. Cowden Artie Maxwell Horace Spencer
Year Sr. Gr. Steward Jr. Gr. Steward Gr. Sw. Bearer
1887 N. Dassett H. H. Hooker A. A. Pierce
1888 Robt. Harris J. L. Neal R. H. Taylor
1889 E. C. Thomas J. L. Neal C. F. Davis
1890 F. C. Boling W. A. Searcy H. H. Hooker
1891 A. Baker John Harris O. B. Clairy
1892 J. L. Neal W. A. Hilyard J. F. Harris
1893 C. H. Mease F. E. McNeill
1894 E. H. Hamilton James Adams
1895 S. Beck J. H. Johnson M. O. Culberson
1896 W. Bird Robt. Johnson E. L. Shaw
1897 B. J. Holmes Saint Beck A. M. Darmon
1898 John Williams J. F. Harris H. Threadcroft
1899 A. L. Mitchell W. H. Henderson Robt. Johnson
1900 H. K. Hillon Geo. Bembry W. H. Milligan
1901 H. Hall Geo. Bembry Bert Jones
1902 H. H. Lewis J. H. Johnson U. S. Jones
1903 John Morgan G. Walker W. H. London
1904 S. L. Tiggs W. S. Bryson Wm. Gepson
1905 Ed. E. Jones C. C. Allen Wm. Fine
1906 Ed. E. Jones T. A. Coleman Wm. Fine
1907 Ed. E. Jones O. C. Folks Wm. Fine
1908 Ed. E. Jones R. W. Johnson Wm. Fine
1909 Robt. Johnson H. E. Elliott A. L. Drew
1910 W. D. Crawford H. E. Elliott J. L. Brooks
1911 W. D. Crawford H. E. Elliott E. L. Shaw
1912 Chas. Cousins Ed. Martin W. D. Crawford
1913 C. F. Topson Wm. Burrell C. C. McGregor
1914 J. E. Bradford R. W. Franklin J. C. Brooks
1915 Pierre Barquette C. C. McGregor Wm. Headley
1916 Mabron Stewart Luke Raglin J. B. Lucas
1917 R. S. Taylor C. M. Simmons Mabron Stewart
1918 A. W. Steppe Thos. Lloyd C. T. Culberson
1919 A. H. Mayes A. W. Steppe Thos. Lloyd
268
1920 J. W. Lacy Thos Robinson J. D. Yancy

1921 G. Montgomery R. H. Crayton J. W. Roberts
1922 L. W. Moyes A. R. Joyce A. B. Green
1923 W. A. Watts P. A. Reeves H. A. Martin
1924 J. W. Young J. D. Lamb Jas. Rhodes
1925 Ernest Cole Jas. Rhodes Ed. Mease
1926 Jake Nelson Wm. Bruce Ed. Mease
1927 Jas. Spencer Wm. Turner Chas. Davis
1928 Robt. Nelson G. M. Davis G. E. Bailey
Year Gr. St. Bearer C. C. F. C. C. C. F. C.
1887 R. S. Brown Alex. Clark J. E. Gilliam
1888 R. S. Brown Alex. Clark J. E. Gilliam
1889 S. H. McCracken G. H. Cleggett J. H. Shepherd
1890 Geo. W. Black A. A. Bland J. H. Shepherd
1891 Ed. E. Jones J. D. Reeler J. H. Shepherd
1892 F. G. Gaggins Miles N. Bell J. H. Shepherd
1893 C. Staughter J. H. Shepherd E. T. Banks
1894 W. H. Jones J. H. Shepherd J. L. Brooks
1895 J. L. Smith J. H. Shepherd
1896 Wm. Raspberry J. H. Shepherd G. H. Cleggett
1897 J. L. Brooks J. H. Shepherd G. H. Cleggett
1898 R. H. Taylor No Record
1899 No Record
1900 A. Mitchell E. T. Banks J. F. Harris
1901 G. H. Cleggett J. H. Shepherd E. T. Banks
1902 R. R. Richmon J. H. Shepherd G. L. Suter
1903 J. H. Shepherd A. A. Bland
1904 G. D. Newmon J. H. Shepherd Wm. Burrell
1905 H. E. Jacobs J. H. Shepherd G. H. Cleggett
1906 G. A. Johnson J. H. Shepherd E. T. Blagburn
1907 G. A. Johnson J. H. Shepherd E. T. Blagburn
Year Gr. St. Bearer C. C. F. C. C. C. F. C.
1908 Wm. Robinson I. L. Brown J. L. Thompson
1909 C. F. Davis I. L. Brown E. T. Blagburn
1910 L. D. Lowery Geo. L. Suter J. L. Thompson
1911 C. F. Davis S. Joe Brown I. L. Brown
1912 C. M. Simmons Geo. L. Suter
1913 W. D. Crawford Geo. L. Suter Grand Auditor
1914 R. G. Potter Geo. L. Suter H. E. Jacobs
1915 D. G. Patterson C. B. Woods H. E. Jacobs
1916 F. J. Nott J. L. Thompson Geo. L. Suter
1917 U. G. Smith Geo. L. Suter H. E. Williams
1918 U. G. Smith A. G. Clark L. D. Lowery
1919 T. C. Culberson A. G. Clark L. D. Lowery
1920 A. O. Powell A. G. Clark L. D. Lowery
1921 J. W. Lacy A. G. Clark L. D. Lowery
1922 W. P. Parker J. L. Thompson L. D. Lowery
1923 B. T. Lewis A. G. Clark L. D. Lowery
1924 H. A. Martin W. W. Gross H. E. Williams
1925 Robt. Nelson W. W. Gross H. A. Martin
1926 Cas Sheppard W. W. Gross H. A. Martin
1927 T. Franklin W. W. Gross Thos. Lighon
1928 B. F. Griffin W. W. Gross Thos. Lighon
Year C. C. F. C. G. M. Ceremonies Gr. Pursuivant
1887 M. N. Bell Geo. Taylor I. Crawford
269
1888 M. N. Bell A. A. Pierce Geo. W. Black

1889 A. A. Bland Jas. Jemerson B. F. Peniston
1890 J. H. Bruden S. H. McCracken Robert Hearns
1891 J. H. Bruden W. D. Crawford Geo. W. Black
1892 A. A. Bland O. B. Clare C. F. Davis
1893 A. A. Bland John Harris J. L. Neal
1894 J. E. Gilliam A. W. Ellington Wm. Lester
1895 E. C. Thomas Linry Petts
1896 W. H. London G. D. Day S. Beck
1897 A. A. Bland T. H. Sturgis J. L. Smith
1898 John Warren E. L. Ehaw
1899 Geo Bembry E. C. Thomas
1900 A. A. Bland J. F. Harris Jas. Jemison
1901 A. A. Bland L. H. Johnson W. W. Carey
1902 W. A. Searcy C. C. Allen G. R. Warren
1903 Robt. Johnson Wm. Pemo W. W. Gross
1904 C. C. Allen C. C. Allen H. W. Williams
1905 Geo. L. Suter H. W. Williams J. F. Harris
1906 H. K. Hillon M. O. Culberson Wm. Burrell
1907 T. H. Sturgis M. O. Culberson R. W. Franklin
1908 T. H. Sturgis H. E. Jacobs Wm. Burrell
1909 T. H. Sturgis Chas. Raleigh F. D. Bland
1910 T. H. Sturgis J. H. Johnson J. W. Bland
1911 W. W. Gross M. G. Newman J. C. Wells
1912 James Woods C. F. Davis
1913 F. A. Hackley J. L. Brooks
1914 B. J. Hack Henry Moore
1915 J. B. Rush A. C. Wolder
Year C. C. F. C. G. M. Ceremonies Gr. Pursuivant
1916 C. C. Johnson H. A. Harne
1917 J. B. Lucas Virgil Warren
1918 Virgil Warren R. P. Booth
1919 W. A. Hammers P. Barquette
1920 Comm. Returns Geo. W. Ashby O. C. Folks
1921 J. B. Mitchell C. B. Watkins R. E. Nelson
1922 J. B. Mitchell W. C. Harne J. L. Washington
1923 J. B. Mitchell Thos. Lloyd C. Coffman
1924 C. T. Culberson N. A. Raglin Wm. Garden
1925 C. T. Culberson Russell Downey E. L. Dimitry
1926 C. T. Culberson Russell Downey G. W. Chipley
1927 C. T. Culberson L. Walker W. C. Bruce
1928 C. T. Culberson M. H. McCraven Thos. Lloyd
Year Gr. Tyler
1887 C. S. Gomer
1888 S. H. McCracken
1889 J. S. Martin
1890 Syke Fox
1891 I. Curtley
1892 S. Cain
1893 B. Crawford
1894 S. Cain
1895 Chas. Mease
1896 Jas. Woods
1897 W. H. Scott
1898 L. Pitts
270
1899 Z. Taylor
1900 Henry Jones
1901 Syke Fox
1902 Geo. Taylor
1903 A. N. Wade
1904 Wm. Raspberry
1905 W. H. Bird
1906 H. E. Jacabs
1907 W. S. Bryson
1908 H. Woodard
1908 H. Gould
1910 Thos. Raleigh
1911 C. C. Allen
1912 O. Fields
1913 T. A. Coleman
1914 H. A. Harne
1915 Wells Fowler
1916 D. S. Johnson
1917 Wm. Herndon
1918 J. B. Mitchell
1919 F. D. Bland
1920 John Shares
1921 C. E. Carr
1922 J. C. Marshall
1923 E. Spencer
1924 W. H. Mernden
1925 A. R. Joyce
1926 W. J. Taylor
1927 Ed. Wilson
1928 S. C. Schures
1929 H. E. Williams H. B. Smith W. C. Buice
1930 H. E. Williams H. B. Smith Horace Spencer
1931 H. B. Smith Wm. Oney John W. Rhodes
1932 H. B. Smith D. N. Crosthwait, Jr. Percy Parker
1933 H. A. Martin J. W. Rhodes C. C. Johnson
1934 H. A. Martin J. W. Rhodes J. W. Young
1935 H. A. Martin J. W. Rhodes W. M. Rhodes
1936 F. S. Johnson Geo. L. Suter W. M. Rhodes
1937 F. S. Johnson D. N. Crosthwait, Jr. B. F. Weldon
1938 Branham Hyde Rice Lintz Paul D. Goodloe
1939 Percy Parker J. W. Young W. L. Toney
1940 Percy Parker W. A. Raglin T. M. Kelley
NOTE: ABOVE FOR YEARS 1929-1940 IS INCORRECT, THE ORIGINAL
PRINTING HAS AN EXTRA LINE IN BOTH THE DGM AND SGW LISTS
WHICH CANNOT BE RESOLVED BY REFERRING TO THE MINUTES
NEED HELP TO RESOLVE THIS ONE!
1941 Geo. L. Suter E. C. Martin W. Lowell Gibson
1942 Carl M. Mays E. C. Martin Howard Brown
1943 Carl M. Mays Paul D. Goodloe Howard Brown
1944 Howard Brown L. J. Henry Beverly Taylor
1945 Paul D. Goodloe J. L. Henry Beverly Taylor
1929 Wm. Turner J. D. Reeler F. S. Johnson
1930 W. E. Sample N. L. Black F. S. Johnson
271
1931 A. O. Powell N. L. Black F. S. Johnson

1932 A. O. Powell B. N. Hyde F. S. Johnson
1933 Harvey Spencer B. N. Hyde F. S. Johnson
1934 Russell Downey B. N. Hyde F. S. Johnson
1935 SEE ABOVE NOTE B. N. Hyde F. S. Johnson
1936 B. N. Hyde C. T. Culberson
1937 B. N. Hyde C. T. Culberson
1938 H. A. Martin C. T. Culberson
1941 Chas. Morris H. A. Martin C. T. Culberson
1942 J. Roberts H. A. Martin C. T. Culberson
1943 J. Roberts H. A. Martin C. T. Culberson
1944 Henry Eskridge H. A. Martin C. T. Culberson
1945 Henry Eskridge H. A. Martin C. T. Culberson
Year Gr. Custodian Dep. Gr. Secy. Gr. Chaplain
1929 Wm. Oney J. B. Mitchell H. R. Crayton
1930 Wm. Oney J. W. Young Rev. T. B. Stovall
1931 Leland Green Leland Green H. R. Crayton
1932 Rice Lintz H. R. Crayton
1933 Rice Lintz Thos. Lighons
1934 Horace Spencer Thos. Lighons
1935 Jake L. Nelson J. W. Smith
1936 Jake L. Nelson John Beverly, Sr.
1937 A. R. Joyce A. B. Mitchell J. H. Harris
1938 A. R. Joyce A. B. Mitchell F. D. Bland
1939 Carl M. Mays L. J. Henry F. D. Bland
1940 Carl M. Mays L. J. Henry F. D. Bland
1941 N. L. Black Rev. Thos. Lighons
1942 Powell Gibson Cecil Rideout Wm. Walker
1943 Fred Garwood Cecil Rideout Wm. Walker
1944 Wm. Givens Cecil Rideout Jas. B. Mitchell
1945 T. M. Kelley Cecil Rideout Rev. D. O. Bell
Year Sr. Gr. Deacon Jr. Gr. Deacon Gr. Marshall
1929 Rice Lintz B. F. Griffin John W. Rhodes
1930 Rev. T. B. Stovall Rice Lintz M. L. Ewing
1931 B. F. Hopkins J. W. Wilson R. H. Black
1932 L. J. Henry Vinson Culberson C. C. Johnson
1933 Haurice Kelley M. L. Ewing Wm. Percy Parker
1934 Geo. W. Perkins Roy McAllister C. C. Johnson
1935 Geo. W. Perkins L. J. Henry W. M. Rhodes
1936 F. E. Caldwell W. L. Toney W. C. Buice
1937 W. M. Beckley Wallace Davis Paul D. Goodloe
1938 W. M. Beckley Wm. Williams F. Garwood
1939 Wallace Davis Wm. Williams Carl Brown
1940 Henry Owens Walter Benhart R. Lintz
1941 A. Saunders Paul Goodloe H. Owens
1942 Gus Anderson B. F. Hopkins
1943 Gus Anderson B. F. Hopkins
1944 Henry Eskridge Clarence Bryant C. C. Johnson
1945 Albert Saunders N. A. Raglin
Year Sr. Gr. Steward Jr. Gr. Steward Gr. Sw. Bearer
1929 M. H. Warren L. Fletcher Raymond Black
1930 E. J. Stewart Joe Edwards F. F. Johnson
1931 C. L. Pleasant Joe Edmonds B. J. Steward
272
1932 Maurice Kelley B. F. Weldon L. F. Mockeday

1933 W. L. Toney B. F. Weldon A. H. Hyland
1934 J. W. Young R. W. Franklin L. J. Caldwell
1935 W. Thompson E. C. Martin A. C. Anderson
1936 Rice Lintz Geo. W. Perkins L. Hockerday
1937 Wm. Williams Dan Anderson F. Garwood
1938 Cal Johnson A. C. Anderson W. L. Toney
1939 G. H. Clark B. F. Wilson Geo. W. Perkins
1940 Howard Brown G. W. Perkins
1941 Wm. Williams Chas. Morris
1942
1943 Holland Williams Henry R. Eskridge Thos. Lloyd
1944 Chas. Morris H. Aldrich A. O. Powell
1945 Birdie Jackson Dey Johnson Claude Downey
Year Gr. St. Bearer G. M. Ceremonies Gr. Pursuivant
1929 Robt. Nelson M. H. McCraven Sim Holmes
1930 F. Clayton J. W. Wilson Clarence Coffman
1931 F. F. Johnson Harry Spencer J. W. Williams
1932 Colonel Hill N. L. Black Thos. Lighons
1933 W. C. Buice A. O. Powell N. A. Raglan
1934 Walter Thompson A. O. Powell Jeff martin
1935 Wm. Lewis Rice Lintz Edw. Sample
1936 L. J. Henry Wm. Bell B. F. Weldon
1937 Geo. W. Perkins Carl C. Mays Wm. H. Smith
1938 I. J. Caldwell D. Edwin White B. F. Hopkins
1939 H. Brown C. L. Downing D. Edwin White
1940 A. A. Anderson Ross Hopkins L. Hicks
1941 C. T. Brown G. H. Clark I. J. Caldwell
1942
1943 I. J. Caldwell John Perkins John Harvey
1944 W. Bernard Wm. Givens H. Garwood
1945 Holland Williams W. Benhart H. Aldridge
Year Gr. Tyler Gr. Auditor C. F. C.
1929 H. R. Wright Thos Lighons W. W. Gross
1930 W. H. Lavell Thos Lighons W. W. Gross
1931 W. C. Horne Thos Lighons W. W. Gross
1932 J. Page L. D. Lowery W. W. Gross
1933 J. W. Smith L. D. Lowery W. W. Gross
1934 B. F. Weldon L. D. Lowery W. W. Gross
1935 F. A. Pleasant Thos. Lighons N. L. Black
1936 Geo. H. Edmunds Percy Parker N. L. Black
1937 W. H. Lavell Percy Parker N. L. Black
1938 Wallace Davis Percy Parker N. L. Black
1939 H. W. Green G. H. Edmunds N. L. Black
1940 C. Brown Paul Goodloe N. L. Black
1941 Daniel Anderson R. S. Taylor W. W. Gross
1942 H. Williams Wm. Wiginton
1943 H. Williams Wm. Wiginton B. N. Hyde
1944 G. W. Perkins Beverly Taylor B. N. Hyde
1945 Wm. Givens H. F. Gray B. N. Hyde
Year Chmn. Returns Chmn. Jurispr. Chmn. G. O. Addr.
1929 C. T. Culberson S. Joe Brown
273
1933 C. T. Culberson S. Joe Brown H. B. Smith

1934 C. T. Culberson I. L. Brown A. G. Clark
1935 C. T. Culberson S. Joe Brown Horace Spencer
1936 Maurice Kelley S. Joe Brown A. G. Clark
1939 Maurice Kelley S. Joe Brown F. S. Johnson
1940 C. Smith H. E. Williams F. S. Johnson
1941 Rice Lintz S. Joe Brown Branham N. Hyde
1942
1943 J. B. Mitchell S. Joe Brown F. S. Johnson
1944 S. Joe Brown F. S. Johnson
1945 J. B. Mitchell S. Joe Brown W. P. Parker
274
ELECTIVE OFFICERS OF SUBORDINATE LODGES

UNDER THE GRAND LODGE OF MISSOURI
CLARK LODGE, NO. 6, MUSCATINE, IOWA
Year W. Master Sr. Warden Jr. Warden
1866 Alex Clark J. P. Pritchard Geo. Manley
1867 Alex Clark James Cook Geo. Manley
1868 Jas. Cook Alex Clark B. Mathews
1869 Alex Clark G. W. Black Chas. Lindsey
1870 Geo. W. Black Thos. H. Benton M. L. Merritt
1871 Geo. W. Black Chas. Lindsey A. J. Johnson
1872 Geo. W. Black Thos. H. Benton Chas. Lindsey
1873 Thos. H. Benton Jas. Jamison Geo. W. Black
1874 Geo. W. Black Thos. Jackson Chas. Lindsey
1877 G. W. Black F. D. Motts B. F. Tullis
1878 G. W. Black F. D. Motts Chas. Lindsey
1879 G. W. Black Amos Watkins A. J. Johnson
1880 G. W. Black Amos Watkins F. D. Motts
1881 Thos. Jackson Amos Watkins F. D. Motts
1882 Alex Clark S. B. Walcup Harry Moore
1883 Alex Clark Jas. Barber Sandy Terry
1884 Alex Clark Harry Moore
Year Treasurer Secretary

1866 Benj. Mathews Geo. W. Black
1867 Benj. Mathews Geo. W. Black
1868 G. W. Manley Geo. W. Black
1869 C. Montgomery Rev. P. C. Cooper
1870 Geo. W. Manley Alex Clark
1871 Thos. H. Benton Alex Clark
1872 Jas. Jamison Alex Clark
1873 Thos. Jackson Alex Clark
1874 Jas. Jamison Thos. H. Benton
1875 Thos. Jackson Thos. H. Benton
1876 A. Clark Thos. Jackson
1877 Thos. Jackson A. Clark
1880 A. J. Johnson A. Clark
1881 A. J. Johnson Alex Clark
1882 E. C. Freeman J. W. Meecham
1883 Geo. Chambers S. B. Walcup
1884 Geo. Chambers Jas. Barber
275
YORK LODGE, NO. 8, KEOKUK, IOWA

1866 W. A. Dove David Lawrence A. B. Story
1867 Wm. A. Dove David Lawrence A. B. Story
1868 York Anderson Chas. Osburn Geo. Bland
1869 York Anderson Chas. Osburn Geo. Bland
1870 York Anderson A. Bland Chas. Osburn
1871 York Anderson Orange Fields J. E. Gilliam
1872 York Anderson A. A. Bland Orange Field
1873 A. A. Bland S. Fox H. Woodard
1874 York Anderson S. Fox J. J. Riley
1875 York Anderson S. Fox J. W. Lewis
1876 A. Bland Syke Fox A. Morris
1877 A. Bland Syke Fox W. H. Woodard
1878 Orange Field W. H. Jones A. Harris
1879 Syke Fox V. Fields C. Hackett
1880 A. A. Bland Orange Field N. W. Bittes
1881 Geo. Bland Sellig Johnson F. D. Bland

1866 C. Logan York Anderson
1867 C. Logan York Anderson
1868 Syke Fox F. W. Story
1869 Syke Fox F. W. Story
1870 Syke Fox J. E. Gilliam
1871 S. Fox G. W. Guy
1872 S. Fox G. W. Guy
1873 S. Johnson Chas. Hackett
1874 H. Woodard Orange Field
1875 J. J. Riley Austin Bland
1876 C. Hackett Geo. Bland
1877 S. Johnson Geo. Bland
1878 S. Johnson Geo. Bland
1879 A. A. Bland O. Field
1880 F. Bland Wm. Nathaniel
1881 Vincent Fields A. A. Bland
NORTH STAR LODGE, NO. 31, DES MOINES, IOWA

(Became No. 1 under Hiram Grand Lodge)
1870 A. W. Carter I. S. Carter S. B. Smith
1871 A. W. Carter I. S. Carter S. B. Smith
1872 I. S. Carter S. B. Smith E. Morton
1873 Oliphant Carter Archie Brown G. W. Turner
1874 S. B. Smith J. F. Logan A. Brown
1875 John Page Archie Brown Jefferson Logan
1876 John Page Archie Brown Geo. Johnson
1877 John Page Geo. Johnson Wm. Coalson
1878 Wm. Colson Jos. Lewis Jas. Poindexter
1879 Jefferson Logan Geo. Taylor John Allers
276
1880 John Page Joseph Lewis Thos. Williams

1870 A. Brown W. A. Birney
1871 A. Brown W. A. Birney
1872 Jeff Logan W. A. Birney
1873 Jeff Logan S. B. Smith
1874 Saml Sikes W. A. Birney
1875 John Allers Joseph Lewis
1876 Jeff Logan Jos. Lewis
1877 Jeff Logan J. Poindexter
1878 Jeff Logan J. Poindexter
1879 Wm. Coalson Miles V. Bell
1880 Wm. Coalson N. E. Morton
SUMNER LODGE, NO. 41, BURLINGTON, IOWA

1874 John Brooks E. Ridley M. F. Banks
1875 E. D. Ridley J. L. Brooks
1876 E. D. Ridley J. L. Brooks John Wilson
1877 J. L. Brooks U. Penny Sam Bean
1878 J. L. Brooks P. Thurman N. Cartwright
1879 J. L. Brooks N. Cartwright John Macy
1880 Jas. Higgins L. Slaughter John Macy
1881 John Williams Jos. Adams L. S. Carr

1874
1875
1876 M. F. Banks L. S. Carr
1877 M. F. Banks P. Thurman
1878 L. S. Carr Jas. Higgins
1880 Moses Johnson Henry Irving
1881 Sanford Michel Jas. Higgins
SIMS LODGE, NO. 50, OSKALOOSA, IOWA

1875 John Sims Z. T. Bush H.A. Armstrong
1876 John Sims Jos. Jamison H.A. Armstrong
1877 John Sims Jos. Jamison H.A. Armstrong
1878 Jos. Jamison John Sims J. D. Bush
1879 Jos. Jamison John Sims Adam Bragg
1880 J. D. Bush Adam Bragg Jerry Walton
1881 J. D. Bush Jos. Jamison Jerry Walton
1882 Jos. Jamison J. N. Carroll Henry Kitchen
1883 Jos. Jamison G. H. Jones Henry Kitchen
1884 J. D. Bush G. H. Jones Henry Kitchen
277

1875
1876 Jerry Walton J. D. Bush
1877 Jerry Walton J. D. Bush
1878 Jerry Walton W. H. Jones
1879 Jerry Walton T. H. Benton
1880 John Sims T. H. Benton
1881 John Sims T. H. Benton
1882 John Sims J. D. Bush
1883 John Sims B. F. Hall
MITCHELL LODGE, NO. 58, CORNING, IOWA

1876 N. S. Mitchell Wm. Smith Chas. Mason
1877 Wm. Smith Jas. Stewart H. Venable
1878 Wm. Smith Jas. Stewart Green Lucas
1879 Wm. Smith Jas. Stewart Green Lucas
1880 Lodge Defunct

1876 John Howe Chas. Roundtree
1877 John Howe Chas. Roundtree
1878 H. Venable Henry Webb
1879 H. Venable Henry Webb
1880 Lodge Defunct
STAR LODGE, NO. 51, KEOKUK, IOWA

1880 Syke Fox A. Harris C. Hackett
1881 A. Harris J. Bamjam R. Chryst
1882 Syke Fox C. H. Hart N. Waller
1883 A. Harris S. C. Harris Geo. Kibo
1884 C. Chryst J. W. Smith C. Aldon

1880 B. W. Jones J. E. Gilliam
1881 Syke Fox S. Harris
1882 J. Clark B. Heman
1883 C. Aldon S. Fox
1884 S. C. Harris A. J. Harris
READ LODGE, NO. 79, RED OAK, IOWA

1878 Anderson Mason Nathan Dorsett A. Brown
1879 Nathan Dorsett Anderson Bracken John Reed
1880 Nathan Dorsett J. S. Reed J. Q. A. Williams
1881 N. Dorsett J. Q. A. Williams C. H. Jones
278

1881 Sanford Michel Jas. Higgins
GOLDEN STAR LODGE, NO. 80, OTTUMWA, IOWA

1878 Enoch Shaw Oscar Comers Zack Taylor
1879 Enoch Shaw M. Thomson Zack Taylor
1880 No Report
1881 No Report

1878
1879 Peter Holmes Wells Fowler
1880 No Report
1881 No Report
MOUNT OLIVE LODGE, NO. 86, CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA

1878 C. S. Gomer S. Hutchinson Andrew Ford
1879 C. S. Gomer A. Ford E. C. Thomas
1880 E. C. Thomas O. B. Claire A. A. Pierce
1881 O. B. Claire A. A. Pierce Wm. Raspberry
1882 C. S. Gomer A. Ford Peter Johnson
1883 O. B. Claire Peter Johnson J. J. Ingleman

1878
1879
JOHN G. JONES LODGE, NO. 91, COUNCIL BLUFFS, IOWA

1878 Chas Haley C. W. Wesley J. A. Richardson
1879 W. C. Newton P. Jackson W. H. Harrison
1880 T. R. Van Pelt P. Jackson C. H. Warner

1878
1879 B. H. Warner M. C. Johnson
1880 H. Hooper W. A. Lane
1881 H. Hooper W. A. Lane
279
C. R. COLEMAN LODGE, NO. 101, BOONSBOROUGH, IOWA

1880 S. Alexander W. W. Harper R. H. Coates
1881 David Jenkins S. Alexander Lewis Williams
1882 David Jenkins S. Alexander Lewis Williams

1881 Geo Steele Wm. Kinnie
1882 Geo. Steele Geo. Douglas
NEWTON LODGE, U.D. NEWTON, IOWA

1882 Jason Green Thos. Watson Anderson Hayes

GREENFIELD LLODGE, U.D. CENTERVILLE, IOWA

1883 J. H. Bundy Wm. Powell Chas Crowley

1883
CEDAR GROVE LODGE, U.D., MUCHAKINOCK, IOWA

1884 W. A. Searcy R. S. Brown J. T. Canady

1884 C. W. Tyler J. H. Lewis
280
LODGES UNDER AFRICAN GRAND LODGE OF IOWA

1881 C. S. Gomer S. Hutchinson Andrew Ford
1882 C. S. Gomer A. Ford E. C. Thomas
1883 E. C. Thomas O. B. Claire A. A. Pierce
1884 O. B. Claire A. A. Pierce Wm. Raspberry
1885 C. S. Gomer A. Ford Peter Johnson

1881
1882

1881 G. H. Cleggett Jos. Shepard W. H. Milligan
1882 J. H. Shepard W. H. Milligan H. H. Lewis
1883 W. H. Milligan W. T. Ewing C. S. Stewart
1884
1885 H. H. Lewis H. H. Hooker E. Granville
1886 J. H. Shepard J. H. Poindexter S. P. Clark

1881 James Todd G. S. Stewart
1882 J. H. Poindexter G. S. Stewart
1883 J. H. Poindexter W. H. Morgan
1884
1885 Wm. Coalson
1886 H. H. Lewis G. H. Cleggett
SUMNER LODGE, NO. 3, IOWA

1881 John Williams Joe Adams L. S. Carr
1882 Jas. Higgins L. S. Carr N. Cartwright
1883 N. Cartwright Louis Washington Jas. Perry
1884
1885 Louis Washington John Williams E. Buell
1886 G. W. Black J. L. Brooks J. Adams
1887 J. L. Brooks Adam Bragg Jack Wilson
281
1881 Sanford Mitchell Jas. Higgins

1882 J. L. Brooks E. D. Ridley
1883 J. L. Brooks Jas. Higgins
1884
1885 S. Mitchell James Perry
1886 S. Mitchell
1887 S. Mitchell N. Cartwright

1881 M. C. Thompson Peter Holmes B. J. Fuller
1882 Enoch Shaw Peter Holmes B. J. Fuller
1883 Enoch Shaw Sylvester Lee Jas. Johnson
1884
1885 Sylvester Lee Zurich Dodd Jas. Johnson
1886 E. L. Shaw A. W. Radford H. T. Elliott
1887 A. W. Bradford M. Underwood J. W. Lee

1881 J. W. Lee Zach Taylor
1884
1885 E. Horne E. L. Shaw
1886 E. Horne M.W. Underwood
1887 E. Horne C. L. Fowler
JOHN G. JONES LODGE, NO. 5, COUNCIL BLUFFS, IOWA

1882 W. H. Payne W. A. Lane Oscar Dickson
1883 No Report Lodge Defunct

1881 H. Hooker W. A. Lane
1882 Thos. Chuans P. Jackson
J. K. HILYARD LODGE, NO. 6, MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA

1882 Smith Martin J. G. Sterrett A. F. Hilyer
1883 J. G. Sterrett I. Crawford Saml Chambers
1884
1885 E. H. Hamilton W. J. Johnson S. S. Davidson
1886 J. G. Sterrett I. Crawford J. L. Neal
1887 I. Crawford J. L. neal E. H. Hamilton

1882 Wm. Johnson John S. Neal
282
1883 Wm. Johnson Smith Martin

1884
1885 J. L. Neal W. C. Newton
1886 J. C. Todd S. H. Martin
1887 J. C. Todd W. H. Wonders
GARFIELD LODGE, NO. 7, ALBIA AND CHARITON IOWA

1882 Allen Winn Taylor Duke R. Hughes
1883 Allen Winn Jas. Ferguson R. Hughes
1884
1885 Allen Winn Frank Thomas John Rally
1886 Allen Winn John Rally R. Morris
1887 Frank Thomas Jonas Briam H. P. Parmar

1882 Jas. Ferguson W. B. Morris
1883 Henry Ewing Frank Thomas
1884
1885 J. Ferguson D. Ewing
1886 J. Ferguson Frank Thomas
1887 John Raley John Ross
NEWTON LODGE, NO. 8, NEWTON, IOWA

1883 E. W. Vaughn Louis Mays Anderson Hayes
1884 E. W. Vaughn A. Hayes John Miller
1885 E. W. Vaughn A. Hayes John Miller
1886 Louis Mays A. Hayes C. Miller
1887 Louis Mays A. Hayes Wm. Waldin

1883 M. F. Banks John Miller
1884 R. Huston L. Mays
1885 R. Huston L. Mays
1886 R. Huston John Miller
1887 R. Hutchinson John Miller
LINCOLN LODGE, NO. 9, MOUNT PLEASANT, IOWA

1884
1885 Haywood Hall R. T. Jones David Bowmer
1886 S. H. McCracken R. T. Jones Jas. Thornton
1887 S. H. McCracken R. T. Jones Jas Thornton

1884
1885 E. Jones Frank Fedlee
1886 E. Jones Haywood Hall
283
1887 E. Jones Wm. Johnson
KING SOLOMON LODGE, NO. 10, CHARITON AND CLEVELAND, IOWA

1884
1885 J. E. Shepperson R. H. Taylor F. C. Bollin
1886 R. H. Taylor Robt. Hunter Ed Harris
1887 R. H. Taylor S. E. Baker Robt. Cross

1884
1885 A. F. Baker W. G. Sanders
1886 A. F. Baker W. L. Perkins
1887 Paul Page W. L. Perkins
EASTERN STAR LODGE, NO. 11, MARSHALLTOWN, IOWA

1884
1885 H. W. Gray H. O. Woods Benj. Hopkins
1886 J. S. Lindsay H. O. Woods John Goines
1887 J. S. Lindsay H. O. Woods John Goines

1884
1885 R. J. Wright John Goines
1886 Benj. Hopkins P. S. Swaum
1887 Benj. Hopkins P. S. Swaum
PIONEER LODGE, NO. 12, ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA

1884
1885 G. B. Williams Richard Reynolds Chas. Davis
1886 G. B. Williams Nelson Taylor Richard Manning
1887 Richard Manning J. K. Hilyard Sr. C. S. Berry

1884
1885 Moses Martin Wm. A. Hilyard
DECATUR LODGE, NO. 13, SIOUX CITY, IOWA

1884 Freeman Howell Chas. Ross Chas. Curtin
1885 Freeman Howell Chas. Ross Chas. Curtis
1886 Freeman Howell G. W. Baptist Chas. Curtis
1887 Geo. W. Baptist J. W. Barron Curtis Carter
284

1884 Ed Sutton N. J. Davis
1885 Ed Sutton N. J. Davis
1886 Ed Sutton Chas. Ross
1887 Ed Sutton Chas. Ross
ANCHOR LODGE, NO. 14, MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA

1886 Abraham Myrick Chas. F. Davis G. W. Bolden
1887 Abraham Myrick Chas. F. Davis G. W. Bolden

1886 Oliver OKee F. A. Jackson
1887 Oliver OKee F. A. Jackson
LODGES UNDER HIRAM GRAND LODGE OF IOWA

1884 P. F. Peniston Robt. Wester Wm. Smith
1885 J. E. Todd J. Morris S. Marsh
1886 No Report No Report No Report
1887 Saml Marsh Wm. Shelton J. P. Morris

1884 Geo. Taylor S. Marsh
1885 J. Smith J. P. Morris
1886 No Report No Report
1887 C. Pettigrew J. H. Woods

1884 J. D. Bush G. H. Jones Henry Kitchen
1885 J. D. Bush I. N. Daniels Ed Jones
1887 J. S. Martin Geo. Douglass Wm. Fields

1885 John Sims Geo. Douglass
1887 G. H. Jones J. H. Carroll
MOUNT OLIVE LODGE, NO. 3. CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA

1884 A. A. Pierce O. B. Clare Wm. Raspberry
1885 A. A. Pierce P. Johnson R. . Richardson
285
1887 W.H. Raspberry Richard Gomer Wm. Davis

1884 C. S. Gomer E. C. Thomas
1887 C. S. Gomer J. H. Bowlin
CEDAR GROVE LODGE, NO. 4, MUCHAKINOCK, IOWA

1884 W. A. Sercey R. S. Brown J. T. Canaday
1885 L. H. Reynolds J. L. Bedell P. E. Fairfax
1887 R. S. Brown W. D. Crawford F. G. Goggins

1884 C. W. Tyler J. H. Lewis
1885 W. J. Jackson J. H. McDowell
1887 W. J. Jackson W. H. London

1884 Richard Cryst J. W. Smith C. Aldon
1885 J. W. Smith D. W. Anderson T. J. Duncan
1887 Spencer Harris Geo. Kebow S. S. Harrie

1887 C. Aldon Z. Taylor
CLARK LODGE, NO. 6, DAVENPORT, IOWA

1884 Alex Clark Harry Moore Sandy Terry
1887 Harry Moore Stanley Terry Alex Clark

1884 Geo Chambers Jas. Barber
1887 H. Swingler Jas. Barber
REED LODGE, NO. 7, RED OAK, IOWA

286
1884 C. H. Jones A. F. Bird J. S. Reid

1885 A. F. Bird J. S. Reid J. L. Leachman
1887 N. Dorsett J. E. Williams J. S. Reid

1884 N. Dorsett J.Q.A. Williams
1885 N. Dorsett J.Q.A. Williams
1887 G. H. Jones B. F. Everheart
GARFIELD LODGE, U.D., NO. 8, CENTERVILLE, IOWA

1884 J. H. Bundy Wm. Powel Chas. Crowley

1884
287
LODGES UNDER HIRAM GRAND LODGE OF IOWA

1887 W. H. Jones J. W. Bland Orange Field
1888 D. Ware G. C. Bannister F. D. Bland
1889 W. H. Jones A. A. Bland Orange Field
1890 United with Star Lodge, No. 5, forming Union Lodge No. 1

1887 M. Bland J. E. Gilliam
1888 N. Bland J. E. Gilliam
1889 N. Bland J. E. Gilliam
UNION LODGE, NO. 1, KEOKUK, IOWA

1890 A. J. Harris A. A. Bland Richard Krys
1891 A. J. Harris A. A. Bland W. C. Buckner
1892 A. J. Harris Syke Fox C. H. Williams
1893 Orange Field Richard Krys
1894 A. A. Bland G. C. Bannister Wm. Gross
1895 Not Reported Not Reported Not Reported
1896 H. Woodward Fred Fields G. T. Kendrick
1897 F. D. Fields Richard Krys Daniel Ware
1899 A. W. Draine C. H. Williams F. D. Fields
1900 A. W. Draine C. H. Williams F. D. Fields
1901 Syke Fox D. W. Anderson F. D. Bland
1902 Wm. Gross A. J. Fields Chas. Goins
1903 Wm. Gross A. J. Fields Harry Ashby
1904 Wm. Gross Harry Ashby F. S. Johnson
1905 J. W. Bland Geo. Snoddy W. H. Jones Jr.
1906 J. W. Bland Geo. Snoddy W. H. Jones Jr.
1907 A. J. Fields W. H. Jones Jr. Wm. Martin
1908 H. A. Ashby Wm. Martin Fred Holmes
1909 J. W. Bland A. W. Draine Geo. Foster
1910 A. J. Fields Wm. Mills Wm. Burns
1911 W. W. Gross A. W. Draine Wm. Burns
1912 W. W. Gross A. W. Draine Wm. Burns
1913 F. D. Bland Wm. Burns Jas. Brooks
1914 J. C. Brooks W. W. Gross F. D. Bland
1915 J. C. Brooks W. W. Gross Roy E. Handy
1916 F. S. Johnson J. C. Brooks Silas Kellas
1917 F. S. Johnson J. C. Brooks Emory Johnson
1918 F. S. Johnson J. C. Brooks J. W. Wilson
1919 F. S. Johnson Wm. Smith J. W. Wilson
1922 Wm. Smith B. F. Weldon T. F. Perkins
1923 Wm. Smith B. F. Weldon G. L. Pickett
288
1924 Wm. Smith C. H. Owens G. L. Pickett

1925 Wm. Smith Jas. T. South Geo. E. Bailey
1926 Wm. Smith Geo. E. Bailey Jas. Wrothwell
1927 Geo. E. Bailey B. F. Weldon Jas. Wrothwell
1928 Geo. E. Bailey T. F. Perkins Geo. W. Wilson
1929 Geo. E. Bailey T. F. Perkins Nathan Cook
Year Gr. Treasurer Gr. Secretary

1890 J. W. Draine J. W. Bland
1891 J. W. Draine J. W. Bland
1892 J. W. Draine Wm. Gross
1893 John Harris Wm. Gross
1894 John Glass W. C. Buckney
1895 Not Reported Not Reported
1896 Richard Krys J. E. Gilliam
1897 Syke Fox F. D. Bland
1901 W. H. Jones W. C. Buckney
1902 W. H. Jones F. S. Johnson
1903 Chas. Goins W. H. Jones Jr.
1904 Chas. Goins J. C. Brooks
1905 Chas. Goins Wm. Gross
1906 Chas. Goins J. S. Johnson
1907 Chas Goins F. S. Johnson
1908 Chas. Goins F. S. Johnson
1909 F. D. Bland F. S. Johnson
1910 A. A. Bland W. H. Martin
1911 Robt. Kebo F. S. Johnson
1914 L. S. Hawkins F. S. Johnson
1915 L. S. Hawkins F. S. Johnson
1916 L. S. Hawkins F. D. Bland
1917 F. D. Bland Roy E. Handy
1918 F. D. Bland Alonzo Draine
289

1887 H. H. Hooker Nelson Casey Peter Holmes
1888 Archie Brown J. D. Reeler Peter Holmes
1889 J. D. Ruler Peter Holmes A. C. Gorden
1890 J. D. Ruler W. H. Morgan A. C. Gorden
1891 James Todd W. H. Morgan A. Baker
1892 James Todd O. O. Crockett G. W. Denney
1893 J. H. Shepard W. H. Scott I. E. Williamson
1894 J. H. Shepard W. H. Scott B. J. Holmes
1895 E. T. Banks
1896 G. H. Cleggett Ed S. Willett Fred Jackson
1897 B. J. Holmes John A. Hardy J. F. Blagburn
1899 J. F. Blagburn Gus Conely A. H. Jones
1900 J. H. Shepard C. S. Ruff M. B. Jackson
1901 J. H. Shepard R. N. Hyde H. Gould
1902 G. H. Cleggett H. E. Jackson H. Gould
1903 Harrison Gould C. B. Woods W. R. Frazier
1904 H. E. Jacobs Tracy Blagburn Jas. Woods
1905 H. E. Jacobs Tracy Blagburn Jas. Woods
1906 E. T. Blagburn J. L. Thompson Wm. Buckner
1907 J. L. Thomson J. H. Mixon Wm. Buckner
1908 C. B. Woods Leslie Williams Jas. Mitchell
1909 J. L. Thompson W. H. Humburd B. J. Hack
1910 Jas. H. Woods B. J. Hack Geo. L. Holt
1911 B. J. Hack B. W. Hyde J. B. Rush
1912 Wm. T. Jones J. Wilkinson John Rhodes
1913 J. B. Rush Gus Watkins A. McDowel
1914 Jas. B. Mitchell Frank P. Johnson Wm. Tomlin
1915 Gus Watkins H. R. Granes Wm. Walker
1916 B. N. Hyde Wm. Walker Fred Graham
1917 Wm. Walker Fred Graham Clarence Bogan
1918 C. B. Woods John Rhodes Charles Carl
1919 C. B. Woods Charles Carl B. A. Harris
1920 C. B. Woods Henderson Green H. B. Burnaugh
1921 C. B. Woods Henderson Green H. B. Burnaugh
1922 C. B. Woods H. B. Burnaugh Ralph Burnaugh
1923 H. B. Burnaugh Irvin Bestor W. W. White
1924 C. B. Woods E. L. Dimitry C. S. Robinson
1925 E. L. Dimitry N. F. Gray Wm. T. Johnson
1926 E. L. Dimitry R. C. Tucker Claude Carr
1927 E. L. Dimitry Claude Carr Maurice Kelly
1928 E. L. Dimitry Maurice Kelly Adam Johnson
1929 J. W. Rhodes R. C. Tucker Roy Todd

1887 H. H. Lewis J. H. Bruden
1888 H. H. Lewis C. G. Stewart
290
1889 J. H. Shepard G. H. Cleggett

1890 J. H. Shepard M. B. Jackson
1891 J. H. Shepard J. D. Reeler
1892 J. H. Shepard J. D. Reeler
1893 Jas. E. Todd J. D. Reeler
1894 Jas. E. Todd J. D. Reeler
1896 J. H. Shepard J. F. Blagburn
1897 J. H. Shepard E. S. Willett
1899 E. T. Banks Fred Jackson
1900 E. T. Banks J. L. Thompson
1901 H. H. Lewis T. S. Ruff
1902 E. T. Banks T. S. Ruff
1903 J. S. Wilkinson K. J. Hamilton
1904 N. E. Morton K. J. Hamilton
1905 J. L. Thompson H. Gould
1906 Gus Watkins H. E. Jacobs
1908 Wm. Buckner H. E. Jacobs
1909 H. Gould H. E. Jacobs
1910 E. T. Blackburn H. E. Jacobs
1911 E. T. Blackburn H. E. Jacobs
1912 H. Gould H. E. Jacobs
1913 Luther Brown H. E. Jacobs
1914 W. T. Buckner H. E. Jacobs
1915 W. T. Buckner H. E. Jacobs
1918 Fred Graham H. E. Jacobs
1919 Wm. Walker H. E. Jacobs
1925 Wm. Walker
1926 Wm. Walker B. N. Hyde
SUMNER LODGE, NO. 3. BURLINGTON, IOWA

1887 J. L. Brooks Adam Braggs Jack Wilson
1888 John Williams L. Washington Adam Braggs
1889 Adam Braggs N. Cartwright W. Brown
1890 J. L. Brooks G. W. Black Jackson Wilson
1891 J. L. Brooks John Williams Geo. W. Black
1892 J. L. Brooks W. W. Bird W. H. Grimes
291
1893 J. L. Brooks A. T. Daniels Chas. Slaughter

1894 J. L. Brooks J. H. Mitchell John Williams
1896 H. W. Bird J. Williams J. H. Mitchell
1897 J. L. Brooks Chas. McGinnas John Williams
1899 A. L. Mitchell Chas. McGinnis W. H. Bird
1900 A. L. Mitchell Henry Moore J. H. Mitchell
1901 J. H. Mitchell E. Williams P. Russell
1903 J. L. Brooks H. W. Bird Eugene Williams
1904 S. L. Tiggs John Williams
1905 S. L. Tiggs Chas. McGinnis A. L. Drew
1906 J. L. Brooks O. C. Folks Major Bender
1907 Ollie C. Folks Rufus Kirth S. L. Tiggs
1909 A. L. Drew M. Butter J. C. Cook
1910 J. L. Brooks John Williams A. McDowell
1911 J. L. Brooks Chas. Johnson A. McDowell
1914 Henry Moore Chas. Wells W. H. Bumley
1916 J. L. Brooks Chas. Johnson John Williams
1917 Warrant Arrested and Revoked
1919 Lodge Renewed New Warrant 1920
1920 A. L. Mitchell Ed Williams J. A. Rideout
1921 Ed Williams Jake Nelson H. Lindsay
1922 Ed Williams Earnest Cole Percy Harris
1923 Ed Williams Earnest Cole James Brooks
1924 Ed Williams Clifford Cowden A. Thompson
1925 Earnest Cole Anderson Hale Ulysus Drew
1926 Jake L. Nelson W. B. Wilson F. A. Pleasant
1927 Jake L. Nelson C. C. Cowden Palmer Woods
1928 C. C. Cowden Palmer Woods Carl Pleasant
1929 C. C. Cowden Palmer Woods Carl Pleasant

1887 S. Mitchell N. Cartwright
1888 H. Irwin N. Cartwright
1889 L. Washington H. H. Irwin
1890 N. Cartwright W. A. Searcy
1891 N. Cartwright W. A. Searcy
1892 Sanford Mitchell W. A. Searcy
1893 W. H. Grimes J. H. Mitchell
1894 S. Mitchell E. Minor
1896 S. Mitchell G. F. Parson
1897 S. Mitchell A. Mitchell
292
1899 Henry Moore Eugene Williams

1900 S. Mitchell Jas. Dean
1901 S. Mitchell A. Mitchell
1903 S. Mitchell Ollie Folks
1906 S. L. Tiggs
1907 C. L. Clark
1909 Chas. McGinnis
1910 Chas. McGinnis Isaac Cook
1911 Chas. McGinnis C. L. Clark
1912 Chas. McGinnis Chas. Wells
1913 A. McDowell Chas. Wells
1914 J. Claiborne
1915
1916 Henry Moore Wm. Wilson
1917 Warrant Arrested and revoked
1919 Lodge Renewed New Warrant 1920
1920 Chas. Johnson O. C. Folks
1921 Chas. Johnson O. C. Folks
1922 Mathew Ross O. C. Folks
1923 J. A. Rideout O. C. Folks
1924 J. A. Rideout O. C. Folks
1925 J. A. Rideout Ed Williams
1926 J. A. Rideout U. G. Grew
1927 A. J. Thompson U. G. Grew
1928 A. J. Thompson Jake L. Nelson
GOLD STAR LODGE, NO. 4, OTTUMWA, IOWA

1887 A. W. Bradford W. W. Underwood J. W. Lee
1888 A. W. Bradford Enoch Shaw J. W. Lee
1889 A. W. Bradford J. F. Harris J. W. Lee
1890 W. W. Underwood J. F. Harris J. W. Lee
1891 J. F. Harris H. Elliott J. W. Lee
1892 A. W. Bradford J. W. Rose J. W. Lee
1893 A. W. Bradford J. W. Rose J. W. lee
1896 E. L. Shaw John Rose J. F. Harris
1897 E. L. Shaw John Rose J. F. Harris
1899 E. L. Shaw J. A. Rose L. A. Bates
1900 J. W. Rose Geo. E. Taylor F. McKinsey
1901 J. W. Rose B. A. King John Berry
1902 J. H. Johnson J. Berry W. C. Harne
1903 J. W. Rose J. Berry Thos. E. Spices
293
1904 H. T. Elliott W. M. Watson H. E. Williams

1905 W. M. Watson H. E. Williams E. Hall
1906 H. E. Williams Wm. Harne E. Hall
1907 H. E. Williams F. W. Smith Thos. Spicer
1908 H. E. Williams F. W. Smith Thos. Spicer
1909 H. E. Williams Wm. Downey Wm. Horne
1912 H. E. Williams J. C. McClellan Jas. Hennington
1913 Geo. W. Baily Thos. E. Spicer J. C. McClellan
1914 W. E. Fowler H. T. Elliott J. H. Hennington
1915 J. C. McClellan J. H. Hennington Levy Anderson
1916 J. C. McClellan Levy Anderson Henry Milton
1917 H. E. Williams W. C. Harne Arthur Moss
1918 H. E. Williams F. W. Smith Henry Milton
1919 H. E. Williams W. C. Harne Henry Milton
1920 H. E. Williams Arthur Moss Henry Milton
1921 W. C. Horne C. M. Davis Russell Downey
1922 W. C. Horne C. M. Davis Russell Downey
1923 W. C. Horne Russell Downey Chas. M. Davis
1924 Russell Downey H. E. Milton Russell Bailey
1925 Russell Downey H. E. Milton Russell Bailey
1926 Russell Downey O. L. Roper Russell Bailey
1927 C. M. Davis Russell Bailey Rice Lintz
1928 C. M. Davis Rice Lintz Virgil Thompson
1929 Rice Lintz Virgil Thomson Jas. H. Jordan

1887 Ed Harne C. L. Fowler
1888 Z. O. Taylor W.W. Underwood
1889 Z. O. Taylor W.W. Underwood
1890 Z. O. Taylor F. McKinzie
1891 Z. O. Taylor J. H. Johnson
1892 Z. O. Taylor J. H. Johnson
1893 J. H. Johnson
1896 J. W. Lee J. H. Johnson
1901 E. W. Fowler J. H. Johnson
1902 E. W. Fowler J. F. Harris
1903 H. Elliott J. F. Harris
1904 W. E. Fowler J. F. Harris
1905 Z. A. Taylor J. H. Johnson
294

1910 F. W. Smythe J. H. Johnson
1911 F. W. Smythe Ed Hall
1914 F. W. Smythe H. E. Williams
1915 W. E. Fowler H. E. Williams
1916 E. C. Hall G. W. Bailey
1917 J. C. McClellan G. W. Bailey
1918 J. C. McClellan L. B. Pratt
1922 J. C. McClellan J. H. Jordon
1923 J. H. Jordon
1924 John Chesshire J. H. Jordon
1925 John Chesshire J. H. Jordon
1926 John Chesshire Virgil Thompson
1927 John Chesshire Virgil Thompson
1928 Wallace Davis W. R. Downey
1929 Wallace Davis Russell Downey

1887 Spencer Harris Geo. Kebo S. G. Harris
1888 Syke Fox J. W. Smith Ed martin
1889 Syke Fox C. Alden S. Dixon
1890 United with York Lodge to form Union Lodge, No. 1

1887 C. Alden Z. Taylor
1888 C. Alden Z. Taylor
1889 J. Benton A. J. Harris
1890 See Above See Above
J. K. HILYARD LODGE, NO. 4, MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA

1887 Isaac Crawford J. L. Neal E. H. Hamilton
1888 J. L. Neal C. Hamilton C. W. Lee
1889 J. L. Neal Isaac Crawford J. G. Sterrett
1890 W. J. Johnson Isaac Crawford F. L. Anderson
1891 Isaac Crawford E. H. Hamilton J. W. Cheatam
1892 E. H. Hamilton I. Crawford Harris Carlisle
1895 Surrendered Form Grand Lodge of Minnesota
Warrant to

1887 J. C. Todd W. H. Wonders
295
1888 Chas. Hale J. G. Sterrett

1889 Chas. Hale F. L. Anderson
1890 Chas. Hale J. L. Neal
1891 W. J. Johnson J. L. Neal
1892 W. J. Johnson J. L. Neal
1893 W. R. Perty J. L. Neal
1894 W. R. Perty J. L. Neal
1895 See Above See Above
GARFIELD LODGE, NO. 7, CHARITON, IOWA

1887 Frank Thomas Jonas Blenam H. Parmer
1888 Surrendered Warrant

1887 John Raley John Ross
1888 Surrendered Warrant
NEWTON LODGE, NO. 8, NEWTON, IOWA

1887 Louis Mays A. Hays Wm. Waldon
1889 Louis Mays E. W. Vaughn Anderson Hays
1904 Renewed by Grand master I. L. Brown
1904 Louis Mays Wm. Fine Jesse Waldon
1905 Louis Mays Wm. Fine N. Broomfield
1906 J. J. Waldon G. H. Hartley F. V. Miller
1907 W. E. Fine M. Mayes F. V. Miller
1908 W. E. Fine M. Mayes Fred Holmes

1904 John Miller Fred Miller
1905 John Miller Fred Miller
1906 John Miller A. B. Manley
1907 John Miller G. H. Hartley
1908 John Miller G. H. Hartley
296
LINCOLN LODGE, NO. 9, MT. PLEASANT, IOWA

1887 S.H. McCracken R. T. Jones Jas. Thornton
1888 R. T. Jones C. H. Brooks E. Jones
1889 R. T. Jones K. Bartlett R. O. Kelley
1890 R. T. Jones K. Bartlett R. O. Kelley

1887 Emerson Jones Wm. Johnson
1888 K. Bartlett S.H. McCracken
1889 G. Washington S.H. McCracken
1890 G. Washington S.H. McCracken
KING SOLOMON LODGE, NO. 10, CLEVELAND, IOWA

1887 R. H. Taylor S. E. Baker Robt. Cross
1888 R. H. Taylor Frank Thomas W. L. Perkins
1889 F. C. Boldin R. H. Hunter James Carey
1890 F. C. Boldin Perkins Ray James Carey
1891 F. C. Boldin R. T. Hill James Carey
1892 F. C. Boldin R. T. Hill James Carey
1894 Warrant Revoked

1887 Paul Page W. L. Perkins
1888 Paul Page
1889 Paul Page J. W. Rose
1890 Paul Page Frank Thomas
EASTERN STAR LODGE, NO. 11. MARSHALLTOWN, IOWA

1887 J. F. Lindway H. O. Woods John Goens
1888 No Returns Lodge Defunct

1887 Benj. Hopkins P. S. Swann
1888 Paul Page
PIONEER LODGE, NO. 12, ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA

1887 R. Manning J. K. Hilyard C. S. Berry
1888 Nelson Tayhe W. A. Hilyard Solomon Hall
1889 Nelson Tayhe Solomon Hall Earnest Mosby
297
1890 Solomon Hall Jas. Woodfork A. W. Bragg

1891 Jas. Woodfork A. J. Shepherd G. L. Perkins
1892 A. J. Shepherd J. L. Phelps G. L. Perkins
1893 A. H. Drake J. H. Lawrence Saml. Hadley
1894 Jas. Adames S. H. Halley Wm. Joice

1887 Moss Martin Wm. A. Hilyard
1888 Moss Martin Jas. Woodfork
1889 A. W. Bragg F. C. Wilkins
1890 D. E. Talbot Nelson Tayhe
1891 S. Hall J. M. Allen
1892 S. W. Weaves Wm. P. Bell
1893 W. A. Hilyard Lewis DeLyons
1894 J. B. Johnson Lewis DeLyons
DECATUR LODGE, NO. 13, SIOUX CITY, IOWA (CHANGED TO NO. 14)
1887 Geo. W. Baptist J. W. Barron Curtis Carter
1888 Robert Harris J. H. Breeden W. P. Johnson
1889 J. H. Breeden J. Kinkamon David Bentley
1890 J. Kingcannon Chas. Curtis Ed Foster
1891 Chas Curtis J. Williams R. Miles
1892 J. Williams Robt. Miles C. Crawford
1893 Robt. Miles Jas. Washington Fred Miles
1894 J. Williams Dave Bentley Jas. Smith
1895 Jas. Washington Dave Bentley Jas. Smith
1896 G. W. Baptist F. A. Hackley Lewis Grant
1897 F. A. Hackley B. Crawford J. H. Morgan
1899 J. H. Morgan J. H. Shores J. W. Barnum
1901 Lewis Grant Ed Sutton J. W. Barnum
1902 Jas. Washington J. W. Barnum H. Champion
1903 Jas. Washington A. Carson Jas. Askew
1904 T. H. Sturgis A. Carson F. A. Harkley
1905 T. H. Sturgis A. Carson F. A. Harkley
1906 T. H. Sturgis F. A. Hackley J. H. Morgan
1907 J. H. Morgan Lewis Grant James Askew
1908 J. H. Morgan Lewis Grant James Askew
1909 F. A. Hackley John Williams B. Crawford
1910 John Williams L. Grant John Shores
1911 John Williams James Askew E. D. Askew
1912 John Williams James Askew E. D. Askew
1913 T. H. Sturgis John Shores M. Askew
1914 M. Askew John Shores E. D. Askew
1915 M. Askew John Shores C. B. Watkins
1916 M. Askew John Shores F. H. Baker
1917 J. H. Shores F. H. Baker S. C. Strange
1918 C. B. Watkins W. W. Foote J. W. Norris
298
1919 J. W. Norris E. D. Askew Horrace Green

1920 E. D. Askew Jas. Washington L. J. Carter
1921 E. D. Askew Jas. Washington L. J. Carter
1922 J. L. Washington L. J. Carter J. M. Cohen
1923 L. J. Carter J. M. Cohen C. N. Johnson
1924 L. J. Carter Richard Cowan Henry Bean
1925 R. F. Cowan B. F. Griffin Henry Bean
1926 R. F. Cowan B. F. Griffin Henry Bean
1927 B. F. Griffin C. N. Johnson L. W. Green
1928 B. F. Griffin C. N. Johnson Jas. Elby
1929 B. F. Griffin Leeland W. Green Dan Daniels

1887 Ed Sutton C. B. Ross
1888 Ed Sutton
1889 Robt. Heams G. W. Baptist
1890 G. W. Baptist J. Williams
1891 G. W. Baptist Jews Grant
1892 G. W. Baptist Jas. Washington
1893 C.G.S. Miles C. D. Hayes
1894 D. W. Moore T. H. Sturgis
1895 D. W. Moore T. H. Sturgis
1896 John Morgan D. S. Shores
1897 John Shores John Williams
1899 T. H. Sturgis Jas. Washington
1901 Jas. Washington John Shores
1902 T. H. Sturgis M. Askew
1904 Jas. Washington M. Askew
1913 John Williams J. W. Norris
1914 T. H. Sturgis J. W. Norris
1918 T. H. Sturgis R. F. Cowan
1919 James Askew R. F. Cowan
1922 E. L. Ward R. F. Cowan
1923 N. A. Green
299
1924 N. A. Green L. W. Green

1925 N. A. Green L. J. Carter
ANCHOR LODGE, NO. 14, MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA

1887 A. H. Myrick C. F. Davis G. W. Boston
1888 T. A. Jackson C. F. Davis A. H. Watkins
1889 C. F. Davis D. F. McFarland Spencer Smith
1890 D. F. McFarland C. W. Lee M. Weaner
1891 C. W. Lee G. W. Brown J. E. Stout
1892 G. W. Brown Geo. Day Wm. Lester
1893 G. W. Day Wm. Lester W. H. Howard
1894 Wm. Lester C. F. Davis R. DeLee
1895 Surrendered Charter Grand Lodge of Minnesota
to join

1887 Oliver OKee T. A. Jackson
1888 A. H. Myrick D. F. McFarland
1889 T. A. Jackson M. Weaner
1890 T. A. Jackson C. F. Davis
1891 T. A. Jackson C. F. Davis
1892 T. A. Jackson John D. Willis
1893 Geo. Brown J. V. Kemp
1894 T. A. Jackson J. D. Willis
1895 See Above

1887 Saml Mash Wm. Shelton Jordan Morris
1888 R. A. Wilburn Wm. Shelton A. W. Wright
1889 R. A. Wilburn Thos. Jones A. L. Bell
1890 A. L. Bell Albert Moss W. H. Scott
1891 W. H. Scott I. Curtley Jas. Wood
1892 Surrendered Charter

1887 C. Pettigrew J. H. Wood
1888 Clay Lewis I. E. Williamson
1889 Clay Lewis I. E. Williamson
1890 I. E. Williamson B. F. Peniston
1891 A. Moss B. F. Peniston

300
1887 J. S. Martin Geo. Douglass Wm. Fields

1888 Geo. Douglass Wm. Fields Robt. Johnson
1889 Jas. Jamison Walker Dyer Robt. Johnson
1890 Name changed to Maple Grove Lodge
1890 Walker Dyer Wm. Perno Wm. Fields
1891 Wm. Fields E. E. Jones A. Ford
1892 Wm. Fields E. E. Jones Robt. Johnson
1893 Wm. Fields E. E. Jones Robt. Johnson
1894 Wm. Fields A. G. Clark Robt. Johnson
1896 Robt. Johnson R. T. Hill E. E. Jones
1897 Robt. Johnson E. E. Jones H. McCutchin
1899 G. H. Jones E. E. Jones W. T. Jones
1900 Robt Johnson John Williams W. T. Jones
1901 Ed. E. Jones G. W. Black S. L. Cannaday
1902 Robt. Johnson E. E. Jones S. L. Cannaday
1903 Wm. Perno E. E. Jones S. L. Cannaday
1904 R. W. Franklin E. E. Jones O. A. Johnson
1905 R. W. Franklin E. E. Jones O. A. Johnson
1906 R. W. Franklin Robt. Johnson E. E. Jones
1907 R. W. Franklin Robt. Johnson E. E. Jones
1908 Simpson Mitchell Henry Dunlap Rosen Jones
1909 Simpson Mitchell Henry Dunlap Rosen Jones
1910 Simpson Mitchell A. G. Clark Paul Brown
1911 A. G. Clark P. Barquette Jas. Lloyd
1912 A. G. Clark P. Barquette Jas. Lloyd
1913 A. G. Clark Henry Dunlap W. Thomason
1914 James Lloyd M. Stewart R. Nelson
1915 Prine Barquette M. Stewart R. Nelson
1916 M. Stewart R. E. Nelson Chas. Higgins
1917 M. Stewart Wilbur Johnson W. Thomason
1918 A. G. Clark W. Thomason P. Barquette
1919 P. Barquette W. Thomason F. M. Moore
1920 R. E. Nelson W. Thomason Mabron Stewart
1923 Woddie Thomason Norman Tobin Leonard Ford
1924 Henry Dunlap Robt. Nelson Elmer Carter
1925 Robert Nelson Elmer Carter Arthur Brown
1926 Robt. Nelson R. E. Nelson Wm. T. McKee
1927 Robt. Nelson R. E. Nelson F. M. Moore
1928 Robt. Nelson R. E. Nelson Leonard Ford
1929 Robt. Nelson Rennie Nelson Robt. Franklin

1887 G. H. Jones J. H. Carroll
1888 G. H. Jones F. T. Walker
1889 G. H. Jones Geo. Douglass
1890 See Above
301
1890 Geo. Steele G. W. Lewis

1891 Geo. Steele Robt. Johnson
1892 A. Ford Wm. Perno
1893 A. Ford Wm. Perno
1894 G. H. Jones Henry Taylor
1896 Jas Jamison Henry Taylor
1897 J. W. Williams Wm. Perno
1899 Henry Taylor G. W. Black
1900 E. E. Jones Henry Taylor
1901 J. W. Williams Henry Taylor
1902 J. W. Williams Henry Taylor
1903 Robt. Johnson Henry Taylor
1904 Robt. Johnson Henry Taylor
1905 S. Mitchell Henry Taylor
1906 S. Mitchell Henry Taylor
1907 S. Mitchell Henry Dunlap
1908 P. Barquette R. W. Franklin
1909 Robt. Johnson P. Barquette
1910 Robt. Johnson P. Barquette
1911 Robt. Johnson M. G. Newman
1914 Robt. Johnson A. G. Clark
1916 Robt. Johnson S. Mitchell
1929 Robt. Johnson Mabron Stewart
MT. OLIVE LODGE, NO. 17, CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA

1887 Wm. Raspberry R. Gomer Wm. Davis
1888 Wm. Davis Wm. Van Pelt O. B. Clare
1889 A. A. Pierce N. B. Nailen Ed. Marshall
1890 N. B. Nailen A. A. Pierce E. C. Thomas
1891 Richard Gomer A. A. pierce Wm. Davis
1892 C. S. Gomer A. A. Pierce Wm. Raspberry
1893 W. H. Davis Geo. Marshall
302
1894 W. H. Milligan E. Marshall A. A. Pierce

1895 Ed Marshall A. A. Pierce
1896 O. B. Claire W. H. Milligan Wm. Raspberry
1897 Peter Johnson Ed Marshall A. Fields
1899 Ed. Marshall W. H. Milligan R. D. VanCamp
1900 W. H. Milligan John Harrison Albert Glaspy
1901 W. H. Milligan T. J. Sadley C. H. Searcey
1902 W. H. Milligan C. H. Searcey D. W. Gable
1903 W. H. Milligan Luther Lowery W. D. Claybrooks
1904 Luther Lowery J. VanCamp W. D. Claybrooks
1905 Luther Lowery J. VanCamp W. D. Claybrooks
1906 C. H. Searcey W. D. Claybrooks Wm. Robinson
1907 Ed. Marshall Wm. Robinson Geo. Tyler
1908 Wm. Robinson Wm. Lavelle Frank Perkins
1909 Wm. Lavelle C. Johnson H. A. Horne
1910 L. D. Lowery H. A. Horne C. Johnson
1911 H. A. Horne C. Johnson A. Ford
1912 C. Johnson Wm. Robinson A. Ford
1913 Wm. Robinson O. J. Thorpe G. W. Ashby
1914 W. H. Milligan L. D. Lowery H. A. Horne
1915 W. H. Milligan S. Lowden T. K. Lowery
1916 S. Louden I. H. Flowers Earnest mack
1917 I. H. Flowers W. L. Warran A. R. Joyce
1918 I. H. Flowers Calvin Johnson A. R. Joyce
1919 T. K. Lowery G. W. Ashby G. W. Chipley
1920 G. W. Ashby G. W. Chipley A. A. Jackson
1921 G. W. Chipley Earnest mack W. H. Beshears
1922 A. R. Joyce Earnest Mack G. W. Perkins
1923 A. R. Joyce G. W. Ashby W. G. Reed
1924 A. R. Joyce E. Mack W. W. Parris
1925 Ervin Mack J. P. Holman
1926 Ervin Mack J. P. Holman Fremont Herman
1927 A. Ford G. F. Reid E. Toombs
1928 A. R. Joyce E. Toombs G. F. Reid
1929 E. M. Toombs R. Black F. Clayton

1887 C. S. Gomer J. H. Bowlin
1889 C. S. Gomer Wm. VanPelt
1890 C. S. Gomer Wm. Raspberry
1891 C. S. Gomer N. B. Nailen
1892 E. C. Thomas Wm. Davis
1893 E. C. Thomas Wm. Davis
1894 C. S. Gomer Wm. Davis
1895 C. S. Gomer Wm. Davis
1896 Ed. Marshall E. C. Thomas
1897 Wm. Raspberry R. D. VanCamp
1898
303
1899 A. Fields Wm. Raspberry

1900 Wm. Raspberry T. J. Sadley
1901 Wm. Raspberry Peter Johnson
1902 Wm. Raspberry P. Johnson
1903 Thos. Jackson P. Johnson
1906 Thos. Jackson L. D. Lowery
1910 Thos. Jackson Wm. Robinson
1911 Thos. Jackson O. J. Thorpe
1913 Thos. Jackson H. A. Horne
1914 Thos. Jackson G. W. Ashby
1917 Thos. Jackson Earnest Mack
1918 Thos. Jackson Earnest Mack
1919 Robt. Johnson Earnest Mack
1920 Robt. Johnson L. D. Lowery
1927 Robt. Johnson F. Herman
CEDAR GROVE LODGE, NO. 18, MUCHAKINOCK, BUXTON, HAYDOCK,

Year W. Master IOWA
Sr. Warden Jr. Warden
1887 R. S. Brown W. D. Crawford F. G. Goggins
1888 J. H. Lewis J. D. Anderson J. H. McDowell
1889 D. W. Crawford Frank Williams W. H. London
1890 W. H. London Jaso. Brooks Chas. Mease
1891 F. G. Goggins Chas. Mease Wm. Toler
1892 F. G. Goggins F. M. Drew Chas. Southall
1893 C. H. Mease Saml Wilson T. A. Coleman
1894 W. D. Crawford Wm. Toler Saml Johnson
1895 T. A. Coleman Wm. Toler Saml Johnson
1896 Matt Panniel Wm. Toler R. S. Brown
1897 C. R. Foster L. A. Wiles W. H. London
1899 David Thomas W. W. Cary J. Johnson
1900 David Thomas W. W. Cary B. F. Granh
1901 W. W. Carey Wm. Shelton Geo. H. Woodson
1902 W. W. Carey L. R. Willis J. Jenkins
304
1903 John Jenkins S. Brigham Geo. Lee

1904 W. S. Bryson Wilson Jones Benj. Baker
1905 W. S. Bryson Wilson Jones Benj. Baker
1906 Wilson Jones M. E. Parnell E. T. Hick
1907 R. G. Patter W. J. Shepard E. T. Hick
1908 W. J. Shepard W. H. Taylor J. H. Williams
1909 W. J. Shepard W. H. Taylor Wm. Sharp
1910 E. M. Hendricks Frank Milton S. S. Scroggins
1911 W. H. Taylor Jas A. Spears Josh Miller
1912 L. R. Willis E. A. Carter B. F. Grise
1913 Jas. A. Spears E. A. Carter B. F. Grise
1914 E. A. Carter W. H. Bailey R. Stewart
1915 W. H. Bailey R. H. Stewart J. B. Lucas
1916 J. B. Lucas J. B. Lewis C. H. Watson
1917 J. B. Lucas J. B. Lewis S. J. Jenkins
1918 J. B. Lewis R. D. Claybrooks J. D. Janey
1919 R. D. J. D. Janey Thos. Ligons
Claybrooks
1920 J. D. Janey Thos. Ligons L. W. Mays
1921 Thos. Lighons L. W. Mays David Carter
1922 L. W. Mayes P. A. Reeves W. P. Lewis
1923 P. A. Reeves W. P. Lewis G. Mason
1924 P. A. Reeves L. W. Mays Robt. Carey
1925 Thos. Lighons Wm. Price Henry Carter
1926 Thos. Lighons Wm. Price Leonard Walker
1927 Leonard Walker W. G. Price H. C. Stevenson
1928 W. C. Price Fred Lewis James Bates
1929 Thos. Lighons Homer Stevens Leonard Walker

1887 W. J. Jackson W. H. London
1888 Wm. Toler W. H. London
1889 Wm. Toler C. H. Mease
1890 W. J. Mackson F. M. Drew
1891 W. J. Jackson F. M. Drew
1892 Wm. Toler Sam Mease
1893 Wm. Toler W. H. London
1894 Saml Johnson John Daniels
1895 John Daniels W. H. London
1896 W. J. jones C. R. Brookins
1897 W. J. Jones C. R. Brookins
1899 C. H. mease J. H. McDowell
1900 C. R. Foster W. H. London
1901 B. F. Cooper C. R. Brookins
1902 B. F. Cooper A. R. Jackson
1903 B. F. Cooper A. R. Jackson
1904 Thos. Arthur W. H. London
1905 Thos. Arthur W. H. London
1906 Thos Arthur W. H. London
305
1907 J. W. Smith L. W. Stalworth

1908 J. W. Smith A. A. Turner
1909 J. W. Smith W. H. Bailey
1912 J. W. Smith W. J. Shepard
1913 J. W. Smith R. G. pattee
1914 J. B. Lucas R. G. Pattee
1915 E. H. Shelton W. H. London
1916 J. B. Jenkins W. H. London
1917 J. B. Jenkins R. G. Pattee
1918 J. B. Jenkins R. G. Pattee
1919 John Jenkins W. H. Bailey
1920 John Jenkins W. H. Bailey
1921 C. L. Foster Leanon Smith
1922 Thos. Lighons Ed. Woodley
1925 H. C. Stevenson Ed. Woodley
1926 Wm. Carter Ed. Woodley
1927 Wm. Carter J. Brown, Jr.
1928 Wm. Carter J. Brown, Jr.
1929 Wm. Carter Dan Smith
CLARK LODGE, NO. 19, DAVENPORT, IOWA

1887 H. Moore S. Terry A. Clark
1888 Surrendered Charter, Lodge Defunct

1887 H. Swingler J. Barber
1888 See Above
CASCADE LODGE, U. D., ROSLYN, WASHINGTON, IOWA

1890 J. L. Bedell G. W. Williams H. C. Rice
1891 J. L. Bedell G. W. Williams H. C. Rice

1890 A. A. Hawkins M. C. Clark
1891 A. A. Hawkins M. C. Clark
HIRAM LODGE, NO. 19, DAVENPORT, IOWA

1891 Geo. Bembry J. Richardson H. C. Humphry
1892 Geo. Bembry J. Richardson H. C. Humphry
1893 J. Richardson Geo. Membry Benj Bright
1894 Saml Cain A. Twiggs L. Pitts
1896 Geo. Bembry John Warren Alonzo Twiggs
306
1897 J. A. Warren Geo. Bembry Alonzo Twiggs

1899 Geo. Bembry J. A. Warren S. Roberts
1900 Geo. Bembry J. A. Warren C. C. Allen
1901 C. C. Allen Jacob Bacon Ed. Barren
1902 C. C. Allen Jacob Bacon John Davis
1903 John Davis C. F. Wright A. Mitchell
1904 C. C. Allen M. Swader I. P. Johnson
1905 C. C. Allen M. Swader I. P. Johnson
1906 No Report Until Renewed in 1910
1910 B. B. Bright Thos. Stovall C. Shepard
1911 T. B. Stovall W. M. Mott Geo. Watts
1912 C. C. Allen J. E. Bradford Oscar South
1913 J. E. Bradford Oscar South Chas. Shepard
1914 J. E. Bradford M. C. Marshall Chas. Shepard
1915 J. E. Bradford Chas. Shepard M. C. Marshall
1916 M. C. Marshall R. S. Taylor R. E. Samuels
1917 R. S. Taylor L. M. Brown Thos. Lloyd
1918 Oscar C. South M.O. Culberson Jr. H. B. Smith
1919 J. E. Bradford H. B. Smith F. D. Humphrey
1920 J. E. Bradford H. B. Smith O. W. Richardson
1921 H. B. Smith O. W. Richardson J. W. Young
1922 H. B. Smith J. W. Young A. D. Rice
1923 H. B. Smith J. W. Young E. M. Howard
1924 J. W. young R. O. Hopkins W. H. Green
1925 J. W. Young J. F. Brown W. E. Sample
1926 C. F. Shepard W. H. Green Wm. Turner
1927 Wm. Turner W. E. Sample John Pierce
1928 Wm. Turner W. E. Sample E. S. Ballard
1929 W. E. Sample B. F. Hopkins Eugene Ballard

1891 H. C. Beane Saml Cain
1892 H. C. Beane Saml Cain
1893 L. Pitts N. Richardson
1894 H. C. Beane C. R. Foster
1896 L. Pitts S. L. Bean
1897 L. Pitts H. Hughes
1899 L. Pitts A. Twiggs
1900 L. Pitts Jacob Bacon
1901 L. Pitts W. D. Moore
1902 L. Pitts B. Warrick
1903 L. Pitts Geo. Walker
1904 L. Pitts G. L. Todd
1905 H. C. Allen G. L. Todd
1906 See Above
1910 D. S. Johnson R. T. Hastings
1911 D. S. Johnson Robt. Samuels
307
1912 Howard Green Robt. Samuels

1913 Howard Green R. S. Taylor
1914 Howard Green R. S. Taylor
1915 Howard Green Robt. Samuels
1916 Louis Fugena L. M. Brown
1917 Louis Fugena W. E. Sample
1918 Louis Fugena J. E. Bradford
1919 M. C. Marshall R. S. Taylor
1926 John Davis R. S. Taylor
1927 John Davis R. S. Taylor
1928 John Davis R. F. Hopkins
1929 John Davis Louis L. Harry
REED LODGE, NO. 20, RED OAK, IOWA

1887 Nathan Dorsett J. E. Williams J. S. Reed

1887 C. H. Jones B. F. Everhearst
EUREKA LODGE, NO. 20, MARSHALLTOWN, IOWA

1892 Geo. L. Suter I. L. Brown Geo. B. Warran
1893 Geo. L. Suter I. L. Brown Geo. B. Warran
1894 I. L. Brown Abe Bryant Saml Becks
1895 Saml Beck
1896 Saml Beck I. L. Brown C. Wheeler
1897 Jas. Woods L. H. Johnson G. W. Green
1899 Calvin Wheeler Albert Walker L. R. Raglin
1900 Reed Warn E. Jackson Osman Pate
1901 L. H. Johnson L. R. Raglin A. W. Walker
1902 E. M. Williamson L. H. Johnson J. T. Miller
1903 L. H. Johnson A. Walker Curtis Woods
1904 Albert Walker C. Woods G. A. Johnson
1905 G. A. Johnson J. A. Spencer J. C. Wheeler
1906 G. A. Johnson J. A. Spencer J. C. Wheeler
1907 I. L. Brown Calvin Wheeler David Brown
1908 I. L. Brown Calvin Wheeler L. H. Johnson
1909 Calvin Wheeler Harry Wolder Geo. Jackson
1910 Emanuel Jackson Harry Flippins G. Wheeler
1911 John A. Spencer Harry Flippins O. N. Swan
1912 Geo. L. Suter Harry Flippins C. Wheeler
308
1913 Geo. L. Suter I. L. Brown H. Flippins

1914 H. Flippins A. C. Wolder Harry Warn
1915 A. C. Wolder Geo. E. Jackson C. T. Brown
1916 Geo. H. Woodson D. N. Crosthwait C. C. Gilmore
1917 H. L. Wolder H. Flippins Thos. Robinson
1918 C. C. Gilmore Walter Warn Thos. Lowery
1919 D.H. Crosthwait, Jr. Grant Jackson H. A. Raglin
1920 Thos. Robinson N. A. Raglin A. B. Green
1921 Grant Jackson A. B. Green C. A. Gilmore
1922 A. B. Green C. A. Gilmore Walter Warn
1923 N. A. Ragland Walter Warn Jas. Spencer
1924 N. A. Ragland G. W. Bernard Art Maxwell
1925 I. L. Brown Art Maxwell Feliz Green
1926 D. N. Crosthwait N. A. Ragland Tony Lucias
1927 Wm. Turner W. E. Sample John Pierce
1928 Art Maxwell M. H. Warn F. F. Johnson
1929 M. H. Warn F. F. Johnson Curtis Ross

1892
1893 Calvin Wheeler Jas. Woods
1894 Calvin Wheeler Geo. L. Suter
1895 Geo. L. Suter
1896 Geo. R. Warran Geo. L. Suter
1897 Geo. R. Warran Geo. L. Suter
1899 Geo. R. Warran I. L. Brown
1900 Calvin Wheeler 121Bystander
1901 G. R. Warn I. L. Brown
1902 G. R. Warn Geo. L. Suter
1903 G. R. Warn I. L. Brown
1904 A. L. Taylor I. L. Brown
1905 L. H. Johnson I. L. Brown
1906 L. H. Johnson I. L. Brown
1907 Galaway Johnson I. L. Brown
1908 Galaway Johnson Albert Walker
1909 Galaway Johnson Otis Swan
1913 Galaway Johnson Albert Walker
1914 Albert Walker Geo. L. Suter
1917 C. Wheeler Geo. L. Suter
1918 A. C. Wolder D. H. Crosthwait, Jr.
1919 A. C. Wolder Geo. L. Suter
309

McNEILL LODGE, NO. 21, CLINTON, IOWA

1892 F. E. McNeill A. W. Ellington Wm. Richardson
1893 F. E. McNeill A. W. Wellington Wm. Richardson
1894 A. W. Ellington Wm. Henderson M. O. Culberson
1896 A. M. Dayman Wm. Henderson Wm. Richardson
1897 A. M. Dayman Wm. Henderson Wm. Richardson
1899 Wm. Henderson Wm. Richardson B. F. Monroe
1900 Wm. Richardson B. F. Monroe M. O. Culbertson
1901 H. G. Williams M. O. Culberson B. F. Monroe
1902 H. G. Williams M. O. Culberson J. M. Mitchell
1903 M. O. Culberson Wm. Henderson W. A. Searcey
1904 H. G. Williams Jesse Mitchell Wm. Henderson
1905 H. G. Williams Jesse Mitchell Wm. Henderson
1906 H. G. Williams Wm. Henderson J. M. Mitchell
1907 H. G. Williams Wm. Henderson W. A. Richardson
1910 H. G. Williams W. A. Richardson F. P. Atkins
1911 H. G. Williams W. A. Richardson T. G. Dozier
1912 H. G. Williams W. A. Richardson T. G. Dozier
1913 H. G. Williams Holland Williams Andrew Goodwin
1914 H. G. Williams Holland Williams Wesley Porter
1915 F. J. Nott M. O. Culberson
1916 F. J. Nott Holland Williams Fred F. Jackson
1917 F. J. Nott Carl Culberson Fred F. Jackson
1918 C. T. Culberson F. F. Jackson Wesley Porter
1919 C. T. Culberson Chas. Anthony H. G. Williams
1920 C. T. Culberson C. Thompson C. C. Culberson
1923 F. F. Jackson C. C. Culberson F. A. Judon
1924 F. F. Jackson F. A. Judon Wm. Williams
1925 C. C. Culberson A. Bell Wm. Williams
1926 F. A. Judon Wm. Williams E. J. Stewart
1927 C. T. Culberson Wesley Porter L. W. Watts
1928 Wm. Williams Wesley Porter A. A. Bush
1929 J. W. Porter E. J. Stewart W. L. Loney
310
1892 B Jones Wm. Donaldson

1893 B. F. Monroe M. O. Culberson
1894 B. F. Monroe F. E. McNeill
1896 F. E. McNeill A. W. Ellington
1897 F. E. McNeill B. F. Monroe
1899 F. E. McNeill F. E. McNeill
1900 F. E. McNeill H. G. Williams
1901 F. E. McNeill A. Mitchell
1902 F. E. McNeill F. E. McNeill
1903 F. E. McNeill H. G. Williams
1904 F. E. McNeill M. O. Culberson
1905 F. E. McNeill M. O. Culberson
1906 M. O. Culberson W. A. Richards
1907 M. O. Culberson T. G. Dozier
1910 W. H. Henderson M. O. Culberson
1915 C. I. Thompson Geo. W. Slater
1916 C. I. Thompson Geo. W. Slater
1917 M. O. Culberson Geo. W. Slater
1918 M. O. Culberson C. I. Thompson
1919 M. O. Culberson Wesley Porter
1920 J. T. Culberson G. H. Williams
ENTERPRISE LODGE, NO. 22, WEST SUPERIOR, WISCONSIN

1894 J. L. Smith Aram Jones John Thompson
1897 J. L. Smith John Thompson

1894 S. C. Connors Jas. Evans
311

CASCADE LODGE, NO. 23, ROSLYN, WASHINGTON

1897 Carter Nicholas Garrison Amos Saml. Tohser
1899 J. H. Spindle F. M. Stranther W. T. Legrande
1900 J. H. Spindle John Manard J. T. Jones
1901 J. L. Chisholm J. W. Shavers Frank King
1902 J. A. Williams Wm. Bagley G. F. Saunders
1903 G. F. Saunders J. L. Chisholm Henry Terrell
1904 J. H. Spindle Henry Terrell J. E. Rushenbone
1905 J. H. Spindle Henry Terrell J. E. Rushenbone
1906 J. L. Chisholm L. W. Corber J. E. Rushenbone
1907 Surrendered to join G. L. of Washington
Charter

1897 J. H. Spindle J. L. Chisholm
1899 Wm. Bagley R. H. Taylor
1900 J. L. Robinson R. H. Taylor
1901 Chas. Ewing R. H. Taylor
1902 J. E. Sheperson J. L. Chisholm
1903 J. E. Sheperson Wm. Bagley
1904 J. E. Sheperson W. J. Morrison
1907 See Above
CRYSTAL LODGE, NO. 24, CHARITON, IOWA

1899 L. Mays A. Hays Walker Weldon
1900 G. D. Newman R. H. Washington Geo. Williams
1901 R. R. Richmond Louis Jackson Wm. Martin
1902 R. R. Richmond Louis Jackson R. H. Washington
1903 G. D. Newman Wm. Martin R. H. Washington
1904 Wm. Martin A. Shelton Frank Thomas
1905 Not Reported Warrant Revoked

1899 John Miller A. F. Williams
1900 John Miller C. W. Carter
1901 G. W. Williams C. W. Carter
312
190r G. W. Williams C. W. Carter

RESCUE LODGE, NO. 25, OMAHA, NEBRASKA
1899 H. O. Wood G. H. Johnson J. W. Jackson
1900 C. N. Johnson A. N. Wade Wm. Burrell
1901 Hayward Hull H. O. Wood Wm. Burrell
1902 A. N. Wade Wm. Burrell C. C. Trent
1903 Wm. Burrell W. P. Wade Geo. Reed
1904 G. N. Johnson H. Hall W. H. Washington
1905 W. P. Wade D. Robinson W. H. Washington
1906 W. P. Wade C. C. Trent S. G. Gray
1907 W. H. Washington C. M. Simmons F. Peoples
1908 W. P. Wade C. C. Trent H. O. Wood
1909 Wm. Burrell Lot Pegram Ed. Rayford
1910 H. K. Hillon A. Tillery H. O. Wood
1911 H. O. Wood C. M. Simmons Joe Edmonds
1912 C. M. Simmons L. Pegram G. D. Gordon
1913 W. P. Wade G. D. Gordon H. O. Wood
1914 E. S. Clendans
1915 Wm. Burrell C. M. Simmons Wm. Burton
1916 F. L. Barnett Chas. Dickerson E. Rayford
1917 C. M. Simmons E. Rayford T. C. Turner
1918 C. W. Dickerson P. R. Warner F. McCullough
1919 P. R. Warner G. D. Gordon S. E. Ward
1920 Surrendered to join G. L. of Nebraska
Charter

1899 A. N. Wade H. K. Hillion
1900 J. A. Roper H. K. Hillion
1901 E. S. Clerdans H. K. Hillion
1908 E. S. Clerdans S. D. Goodchild
1909 E. S. Clerdans S. D. Goodchild
1910 E. S. Clerdans W. H. Washington
1911 E. S. Clerdans W. P. Wade
1912 R. Workcuff W. P. Wade
1913 C. C. Trent W. H. Jackson
1914 W. H. Jackson
1915 J. H. Glover Perry Warner
1918 J. H. Glover A. Black
1920 See Above
313
ALBIA STAR LODGE, NO. 26, ALBIA, IOWA

1900 Henry Jones Robt. Johnson J. Mitchell
1901 U. S. Jones Wm. Parker Thos. Davis
1902 U. S. Jones Bert Jones Wm. Bennings
1903 U. S. Jones F. Binnings Well Ester
1904 U. S. Jones F. Binnings A. J. Ester
1905 F. C. Binnings A. J. Ester R. Underwood
1906 F. C. Binnings A. J. Ester Wm. Esters
1907 Henry Jones A. J. Ester Wm. Esters
1922 Charter Restored
1922 C. L. Washington W. A. Binnings A. L. Edmond
1923 B. L. Lewis Wm. Gordon A. L. Edmond
1924 Wm. Gordon Joe Edmonds Bert Jones
1925 Wm. Gordon Joe Edmonds Lewis Edwards
1926 Wm. Gordon B. T. Lewis
1927 Roy Grason Wm. Gordon L. Edmonds
1928 Roy Grason Wm. Gordon B. Thomas
1929 Roy Grason Wm. Gordon Luke Mosely

1900 U. S. Hones Bert Jones
1901 Wm. Bennings Bert Jones
1902 W. Parker H. Davenport
1903 Henry Jones Walter Binnings
1907 W. Parker Walter Binnings
1922 Charter Restored
1922 L. E. Franklin Roy Grason
1926 L. E. Franklin Joe Edmonds
1927 L. E. Franklin Joe Edmonds
1928 Lester Mosley Bea Lewis
1929 Britton Thomas
GOLDEN CIRCLE LODGE, NO. 27, CLARINDA, IOWA

1903 Joe Baker W. M. Gibson Joe Jones
1904 Jas Jones W. H. Cook
1905 N. H. Pemberton Jas Jones A. H. Montgomery
1906 A. H. Montgomery Wm. Hadley A. Reed
1907 No Report Warrant Surrendered
314

1903 L. Montgomery G. N. Howling
1904 L. Montgomery A. H. Montgomery
1905 L. Montgomery Wm. Headley
1906 L. Montgomery N. Pemberton
1907 See Above
TRINITY LODGE, NO. 28, SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

1903 F. T. Anderson Geo. Hayes A. G. Grant
1904 G. A. Hays A. R. Black J. W. L. Fort
1905 A. R. Black A. G. Grant G. W. Turner
1906 A. G. Grant G. W. Turner S. A. Thorne
1907 Joined GL of Washington

1903 W. C. Miller J. W. Fort
1904 G. W. Turner F. D. Perkins
1905 G. A. Hayes F. F. Anderson
1906 A. R. Black G. A. Hayes
1907 See Above
DUBUQUE LODGE, NO. 29, DUBUQUE, IOWA

1904 John W. Logan Jas. L. Love Ed. Martin
1905 John W. Logan H. Martin Ed. Martin
1906 H. A. Martin E. W. Martin C. C. McGregor
1907 E. W. Martin C. C. McGregor John Logan
1908 E. W. Martin John Logan C. C. McGregor
1909 E. W. Martin E. W. martin W. B. Johnson
1910 W. B. Johnson J. C. Wells C. C. McGregor
1911 J. C. Wells C. C. McGregor W. B. Johnson
1912 H. A. Martin E. W. Martin J. C. Wells
1913 C. C. McGregor J. C. Wells H. W. Rose
1914 J. C. Wells H. W. Rose E. W. martin
1915 Harry W. Rose Henry C. Rose S. Henderson
1916 Harry W. Rose Henry C. Rose W. J. King
1917 Harry W. Rose Henry C. Rose A. L. McGregor
1918 H. A. Martin A. L. McGregor S. Henderson
1919 H. A. Martin A. L. McGregor S. Henderson
1920 H. A. Martin Isaac Jones Geo. S. Smith
1921 H. A. Martin C. E. McGregor Fred Smith
1922 H. A. Martin C. E. McGregor Frank Johnson
1923 H. A. Martin S. Henderson Frank Johnson
1924 H. A. Martin Mose Gibbs John Duncan
1925 H. A. Martin Clarence Gray L. Fletcher
1926 H. A. Martin Clarence Gray L. Fletcher
1927 Lewis Fletcher Clarence Gray Wm. Rhabb
315
1928 Lewis Fletcher Clarence Gray

1929 Lewis Fletcher Clarence Gray Mose Gibbs

1904 Henry C. Rose C. C. McGregor
1906 Henry C. Rose L. Lewis
1907 Henry C. Rose Harry Rose
1910 Henry C. Rose B. F. Hubbard
1911 Henry C. Rose B. F. Hubbard
1913 Henry C. Rose A. L. McGregor
1915 J. C. Wells C. C. McGregor
1918 Henry C. Rose H. W. Rose
1919 Henry C. Rose H. W. Rose
1920 J. C. Wells H. W. Rose
1927 J. C. Wells H. A. Martin
1928 J. C. Wells H. A. Martin
1929 C. C. McGregor H. A. Martin
DORIC LODGE, NO. 30, ENTERPRISE AND EAST DES MOINES, IOWA
1905 G. E. Green J. H. Reynolds Thos. Raleigh
1906 G. E. Green J. H. Reynolds Fred Williams
1907 J. H. Reynolds Fred Williams W. J. Blakely
1908 Thos. Raleigh Fred Williams Joe Cozart
1909 Thos. Raleigh E. D. Evans J. B. Wickliff
1910 J. H. Reynolds S. Joe Brown Chas. Cousin
1911 S. Joe Brown Chas. Cousin C. E. Trent
1912 Chas. Cousin C. E. Trent C. F. Topson
1913 C. F. Topson I. Pierson E. A. Lee
1914 W. H. Humbard E. A. Lee D. G. Patterson
1915 D. G. patterson C. C. Johnson W. L. Riley
1916 C. C. Johnson W. L. Riley Arthur Wilson
1917 C. C. Johnson Arthur Wilson E. S. Maybery
1918 J. A. Wilson G. G. Nichols J. H. Anderson
1919 J. A. Wilson W. Gaiter J. W. Johnson
1920 Albert Gaiter W. H. Warwick W. A. Hammons
1921 Albert Gaiter Wm. Oney H. R. Wright
316
1922 Edw. Evans Cecil Stone Wm. Humbard

1923 Wm. Oney Tug Wilson Price Hunter
1924 Wm. Oney Eddie Mease Kenneth Roark
1925 E. M. Mease Saml Walker W. A. Hammons
1926 E. M. Mease Estel Ligons Eugene Davis
1927 E. M. Mease LeRoy Byrd M. McCraven
1928 M. McCraven Paris S. Kanes Gus Thomas
1929 H. R. Wright Clarence Gray Mose Gibbs

1905 Wm. Vaughan H. Madden
1906 Jas. Robinson E. D. Evans
1907 Jas. Robinson E. D. Evans
1908 P. E. Jackson D. Fields
1909 Jas. Holland D. Fields
1910 Jas. Holland D. Fields
1911 A. May J. H. Reynolds
1912 A. May J. H. Reynolds
1913 A. C. Payton J. H. Reynolds
1914 D. T. Mosely J. H. Reynolds
1915 D. T. Mosely J. H. Reynolds
1916 C. F. Topson J. H. Reynolds
1920 C. F. Topson Edw. Evans
1921 C. F. Topson Edw. Evans
1922 C. F. Topson Wm. Oney
1923 C. F. Topson Cecil Stone
1924 C. F. Topson Cecil Stone
1925 C. F. Topson S. Ellison
1926 C. F. Topson Paul Gibson
1927 C. F. Topson C. W. King
1928 C. F. Topson C. W. King
GUIDING STAR LODGE, NO. 31, NORTH YAKIMA, WASHINGTON

1905 W. H. Jeffries Jas. Simms E. Pearl
1906 W. H. Jeffries Jas. Simms E. Pearl
1907 Joined GL of Washington

1905 C. Bramun C. H. Robinson
1906
1907 See Above
HIRAM LODGE, U.D., DES MOINES, IOWA

1909 S. Joe Brown Chas. Cousin J. Emanuel
317
1909 Warrant Refused dispensation by G. L.

and revoked

1909 W. L. Riley E. S. Morgan
1909 See Above
TWIN CITY LODGE, NO. 32, COUNCIL BLUFFS, IOWA

1908 H. M. Clariby A. M. Williams S. E. Ward
1909 Chas. F. Davis Wm. Haygood W. H. Towns
1910 Chas F. Davis Wm. Haygood W. H. Towns
1911 Chas. F. Davis W. H. Herndon H. L. McKenzie
1912 H. L. McKenzie W. H. Herndon S. Whitelaw
1913 H. L. McKenzie W. H. Herndon C. E. Burke
1914 W. H. Herndon E. Bolin L. L. Brockman
1915 W. H. Herndon W. A. Moore I. Caldwell
1916 W. H. Herndon I. Caldwell W. A. Givens
1917 I. Caldwell W. A. Givens J. A. Kennard
1918 W. H. Herndon C. Herndon E. Bolin
1919 W. H. Herndon C. Herndon E. Bolin
1920 W. A. Givens E. Bolin John Turner
1921 W. A. Givens Shelton Pearl John Turner
1922 W. A. Givens Shelton pearl E. Bolin
1923 C. Bolin Shelton Pearl I. Caldwell
1924 S. Pearl F. Newby J. Williams
1925 S. Pearl F. Newby J. Williams
1926 W. A. Givens A. Stewart F. Johnson
1927 W. A. Givens W. H. Herndon J. Williams
1928 W. A. Givens John Turner W. H. Herndon
1929

1908 R. V. Robinson W. C. Lyons
1911 A. Neely S. E. Ward
1912 R. V. Robinson W. H. Birdsong
1913 W. H. Birdsong W. C. Lyons
1920 W. H. Birdsong C. Herndon
1921 W. H. Birdsong C. Herndon
1922 John Turner B. D. Walker
318
1923 John Turner B. D. Walker

1924 John Turner W. A. Givens
1925 John Turner W. A. Givens
1926 John Turner E. J. Gilbert
1927 John Turner S. Pearl
1928 A. Stewart S. Pearl
1929
KEYSTONE LODGE, NO. 33, CLARINDA, IOWA

1914 Wm. Headley Joe Jones H. H. Cook
1915 Wm.Headley Geo. Montgomery R. T. Lane
1916 Wm. Headley Geo. Montgomery R. T. Lane
1917 Wm. Headley R. H. Johnson K. D. Black
1920 R. T. Lane R. H. Johnson Geo. Jones
1921 G. Montgomery R. H. Johnson Geo. Jones
1922 Geo. Jones R. H. Johnson R. L. Lane
1923 R. H. Johnson G. Montgomery K. D. Black
1924 Wm. Headley G. Montgomery K. D. Black
1925 Wm. Headley J. S. Jenkins K. D. Black
1926 J. S. Jenkins L. Arnett K. D. Black
1927 J. S. Jenkins L. Arnett H. McNeal
1928 H. McNeal K. D. Black M. Griggs
1929 H. McNeal K. D. Black M. Griggs

1914 K. D. Black Jas. Banks
1915 K. D. Black Jas. Banks
1916 Joe Jones Sam Fagan
1917 Joe Jones R. T. Lane
1918 Joe Jones R. B. Manley
1919 G. N. Dowling G. Montgomery
1920 G. N. Dowling R. B. Manley
1921 G. N. Dowling Wm. Headley
1922 Lewis Arnett Wm. Headley
1923 Geo. Jones Wm. Headley
1924 A. Carson L. Arnett
1925 A. Carson L. Arnett
1926 G. Williams Wm. Headley
1927 J. D. Black H. L. Brown
1928 Joe Jones Wm. Headley
PERFECT ASHLER LODGE, NO. 34, MASON CITY, IOWA

1914 R. W. Brown J. F. Banning C. E. Carr
1915 R. W. Brown Paul Scott Benj. Young
1916 Benj. Young V. Warran A. H. Mays
319
1917 V. Warran A. H. Mays John Roberts

1918 A. H. Mays J. Roberts A. L. Rennix
1919 A. H. Mays J. Roberts M. L. Ewing
1920 J. Roberts M. L. Ewing P. Parker
1921 Virgil Warran M. L. Ewing P. Parker
1922 W. P. Parker Roy Bates V. Wright
1923 W. P. Parker M. L. Ewing Roy Bates
1924 W. P. Parker Horace Spencer F. Garwood
1925 Horace Spencer F. Garwood M. L. Ewing
1926 Horace Spencer F. Garwood J. L. Ewing
1927 Horace Spencer R. McAllister J. A. Ashford
1928 W. P. Parker R. McAllister M. L. Ewing
1929 W. P. Parker H. Spencer M. L. Ewing

1914 A. H. Mays V. Warran
1915 A. H. Mays V. Warran
1916 J. B. Ruler Horace Spencer
1917 Harvey Spencer J. D. Reeler
1918 M. L. Ewing J. D. Reeler
1919 V. Warran J. D. Reeler
1920 A. H. Mays J. D. Reeler
ST. JOHN LODGE, NO. 35, WATERLOO, IOWA

1915 I. W. Bess C. R. Cheatham C. Clayton
1916 L. W. Bess U. G. Smith J. W. Cook
1917 U. G. Smith J. W. Lacey F. Martin
1918 U. G. Smith F. Martin E. D. Boyd
1919 U. G. Smith Wm. Amen E. D. Boyd
1920 J. W. Lacey A. Booth G. Carter
1921 J. W. Lacey Wm. Bell Henry Bell
1922 Wm. Bell Wm. Houghton Henry Owen
1923 Wm. Bell R. Green Henry Owen
1924 Wm. Bell Wm. Houghton E. Powell
1925 Wm. Houghton E. Powell E. M. Taylor
1926 Wm. Houghton Wm. Guy E. M. Taylor
1927 Wm. Houghton S. Holmes J. W. Sykes
1928 J. W. Lacey S. Holmes A. H. Highland
1929 Sim Holmes A. H. Hyland Dock Robinson
320

1915 J. D. Hopkins F. Bright
1916 Waters J. W. Lacey
1917 Waters H. Fullibone
1918 J. D. Hopkins H. J. Earle
1919 J. D. Hopkins C. R. Cheatham
1920 C. Casey H. Hart
1921 A. Booth H. Hart
1922 C. Casey H. Hart
1923 Wm. Houghton J. W. lacey
1924 Wm. Guy G. E. Smith
1925 Wm. Guy G. E. Smith
1926 J. D. Hopkins G. E. Smith
1929 Wm. Guy Wm. Bell
WESTERN STAR LODGE, NO. 36, FORT DODGE, IOWA

1916 L. Royland M. Carrington C. F. Rogers
1917 C. D. Smith A. W. Steppe H. H. Williams
1918 A. W. Steppe W. H. Lovelle Thos. Franklin
1919 A. W. Steppe Louise Biggs E. M. pierce
1920 E. M. Pierce C. R. Coffman Floyd Turner
1921 E. M. Pierce A. W. Steppe C. D. Smith
1922 C. R. Coffman Wm. Levels Louis Biggs
1923 C. R. Coffman W. Dishman S. S. Lewis
1924 W. H. Levels Thos. Franklin Floyd Turner
1925 C. R. Coffman D. Sockman O. Buckner
1926 C. R. Coffman S. Hudson S. S. Lewis
1927 Thos. Franklin O. J. Williams Sam Thomas
1928 C. R. Coffman E. Southell E. Taylor
1929 Clarence Coffman John Bernard LeRoy Patterson

1916 S. Hudson E. M. Pierce
1917 S. Hudson C. R. Coffman
1918 Jos. Wilson John Nealy
1919 Jos. Wilson C. D. Smith
1920 Thos. Franklin J. W. Wilson
1921 Thos. Franklin J. W. Wilson
1922 Thos. Franklin W. S. Dishman
1923 Thos. Franklin A. W. Steppe
1924 L. Biggs A. W. Steppe
1925 Thos. Franklin O. J. Williams
1926 C. C. Baker O. J. Williams
1927 C. C. Baker S. S. Lewis
1928 C. C. Baker W. A. Brown, Jr.
1929 Louis Biggs W. A. Brown, Jr.
321
BOAZ LODGE, NO. 37, GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA

1917 Isaac Trice G. A. Fleppin G. W. Buxton

1917 L. L. Johnson John Baker
1918 See Above
MARVIN LODGE, NO. 38, HASTINGS, NEBRASKA

1917 J. S. Craig John Huff A. Hughes
1918 A. W. Gates A. J. Hughes D. A. Horton
1919 A. W. Gates D. A. Horton Jas. Good
1920 Surrendered to Join GL of Nebraska
Warrant

1917 R. F. Fisher R. P. Booth
1918 R. F. Fisher R. P. Booth
1919 J. S. Craig R. P. Booth
1920 See Above
PEARL CITY LODGE, NO. 39, MUSCATINE, IOWA

1918 Thos. Lloyd C. Richardson A. O. powell
1919 Thos. Lloyd C. Richardson Geo. Williams
1920 A. O. Powell Geo. Williams Robt. Evans
1921 A. O. Powell Thos. Lloyd J. D. Lamb
1922 C. Richardson Geo. Williams Jacob Lamb
1923 Thos. Lloyd Jacob Lamb Ed. Banes
1924 W. P. Parker Horace Spencer F. Garwood
1925 Horace Spencer F. Garwood M. L. Ewing
1926 Horace Spencer F. Garwood J. L. Ewing
1927 Horace Spencer R. McAllister J. A. Ashford
1928 W. P. Parker R. McAllister M. L. Ewing
1929 W. P. Parker H. Spencer M. L. Ewing

1918 Robt. Evans Jas. Bane
1919 Robt. Evans H. F. Hall
1920 Ed. Bane H. F. Hall
1921 Wm. Daire H. F. Hall
1922 Wm. Daire A. O. Powell
1923 Wm. Daire A. O. Powell
1924 Ed. Banes Lee Slaughter
1925 Ed. Banes Lee Slaughter
1926 Ed. Banes J. D. Lamb
1927 Ed. Banes J. D. Lamb
1928 Ed. Banes J. P. McWilliams
322
1929 Ed. Banes A. O. Powell
TRUE AMERICAN LODGE, NO. 40, GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA

1918 C. A. Flippin Weller Blair Edw. Gibson
1919 C. A. Flippin Seller Blair Edw. Gibson
1920 Surrendered Join GL of Nebraska
Charter to

1918
1919
1920 See Above
ROUGH ASHLER LODGE, NO. 41, WASHINGTON, IOWA

1920 O. M. Green W. B. Williams H. R. Crayton
1921 H. R. Crayton O. M. Green T. H. Lewis
1922 Wm. A. Watts H. R. Crayton A. L. Hall
1923 Wm. A. Watts H. R. Crayton A. L. Hall
1924 O. M. Green H. R. Crayton C. P. Jones
1925 Wm. A. Watts W. B. Williams F. A. Walker
1926 N. L. Black W. B. Williams James Redd
1927 H. R. Crayton P. A. McLamore James Redd
1928 H. R. Crayton W. H. Rhodes James Redd
1929 P. A. McLamore W. B. Williams N. L. Black

1920 H. S. Green R. V. Hall
1921 John Moudy N. L. Black
1922 W. B. Williams N. L. Black
1923 W. B. Williams N. L. Black
1924 W. A. White N. L. Black
1925 Jas. Redd
1926 M. E. Hall O. M. Green
1927 M. E. Hall N. L. Black
1928 M. E. Hall N. L. Black
1929 Jas. Redd Moses E. Hall
TUSCAN LODGE, NO. 42, CENTERVILLE, IOWA

1920 John Foster Samuel Lee C. B. Brady
1921 John Foster Samuel Lee C. B. Brady
1922 Samuel Lee J. W. Martin C. B. Brady
1923 Samuel Lee J. W. Martin S. H. Jones
1924 S. H. Jones Samuel Lee Robt. Terrell
1925 S. H. Jones Wm. Herndon Robt. Terrell
1927 S. H. Jones W. H. Herndon John Ewing
323


1920 R. Callis S. H. Jones
1923 John Childs C. B. Brady
1924 A. H. Mays C. B. Brady
1925 A. H. Mays C. B. Brady
1926 C. B. Brady
1927 Robt. Terrell C. B. Brady
1928 Robt. Terrell C. B. Brady
1929 Robt. Terrell
CORINTHIAN LODGE, NO. 43, FT. MADISON, IOWA

1921 A. C. Anderson Bert Payne G. H. Clark
1922 A. C. Anderson G. H. Clark Bert Payne
1924 G. H. Clark R. Anderson Bert Payne
1925 A. C. Anderson Bert Payne Chas. Payton
1926 A. F. Payton Eugene Range R. Johnson
1927 R. Johnson Eugene Range A. C. Anderson
1928 G. H. Clark R. Anderson A. C. Bates
1929 G. H. Clark E. Range Ottis Johnson

1921
1922 R. Anderson Chas. Humbard
1923
1924 Archie Bates A. C. Anderson
1925 G. H. Clark A. Wilson
1926 G. H. Clark J. M. Payton
1927 B. Payne J. M. Payton
1928 B. Payne H. Aldridge
1929 B. Payne H.Aldridge
CEDAR VALLEY LODGE, NO. 44, DES MOINES, IOWA

1924 Jas Rhodes W. V. Windson A. Saunders
1925 Jas. Rhodes W. C. Brice A. Saunders
1926 W. C. Buice A. Saunders D. K. King
1927 W. C. Buice A. Saunders W. M. Watkins
1928 W. C. Buice A. Saunders W. M. Watkins
1929 W. C. Buice Jeff martin W. E. Watkins

1924
1925 J. C. Lovelady Roy Pierson
324
1926 J. C. Lovelady Doe White

1927 J. C. Lovelady W. W. Jones
1929 J. C. Lovelady W.W.Jones
UNION LODGE, NO. 1, KEOKUK, IOWA

1929 George R. Bailey T. F. Perkins Nathan Cole
1930 J. W. Wilson Nathan Cole Wm. P. Bush
1931 John W. Wilson B. F. Weldon Wm. P. Bush
1932 B. F. Weldon Jas. Worthwill M. B. Johnson
1933 B. F. Weldon Jas. Worthwill L. S. Hawkins
1934 B. F. Weldon Wm. H. Smith L. S. Hawkins
(Acting)
1935 W. H. Smith L. S. Hawkins Oliver E. Bailey
1936 W. H. Smith L. S. Hawkins Oliver E. Bailey
1937 W. H. Smith O. E. Bailey Fred Dawson
1946 Muriel Bead T. F. Perkins Wendell H. Carter

1929 F. D. Bland A. W. Draine
1937 A. W. Draine
1946 B. F. Weldon A. W. Draine

1929 John Rhodes R. C. Tucker Roy Todd
1930 John Rhodes Maurice Bailey Ralph Johnson
1931 John Rhodes W. V. Windsor Fred D. McCracken
1932 Maurice Kelley W. V. Windsor Fred D. McCracken
1933 Maurice Kelley Fred D. McCracken C. H. Thompson
1934 Maurice Kelley E. N. Warner John W. Cooley
1935 Maurice Kelley Emanuel Davis, Jr. John W. Cooley
1936 Maurice Kelley Carl Mays John W. Cooley
1937 Carl Mays Claude Carr C. Thompson
1946 Noble F. Gray John W. Thompson

325

1937 A. W. Draine
1946 B. F. Weldon A. W. Draine
SUMNER LODGE, NO. 3, BURLINGTON, IOWA

1929 Clifford C. Cowden Palmer Woods Carl Pleasant
1930 C. L. Pleasant B. Fultz P. Woods
1931 C. L. Pleasant B. Fultz Chas. Wells
1932 A. J. Thompson Ed. Williams P. Woods
1933 A. J. Thompson C. L. Pleasant F. A. Pleasant
1934 F. A. Pleasant M. W. Beckley A. Gassaway
1935 F. A. Pleasant M. W. Beckley De. Edwin White
1936 Buel Fultz De Edwin White Robt. White
1937 M. W. Beckley Ahmend Brown Cecil Rideout
1946 Chas. Wells Palmer Woods Cecil Rideout

1930 A. J. Thompson F. A. Pleasant
1931 A. J. Thompson F. A. Pleasant
1932 Jake L. Nelson Buell Fultz
1936 Jake L. Nelson Carl Pleasant
1937 Jake L. Nelson De Edwin White
1946 Wilbur Ray F. A. Pleasant
1929 Rice Lintz Virgil Thompson Joseph H. Jordan
1930 Rice Lintz H. H. Williams W. H. Lewis
1931 Virgil Thompson W. H. Lewis M. W. Weeks
1934 W. H. Lewis M. W. Weeks Wallace M. Davis
1935 W. H. Lewis Wallace Davis Chas. H. Wilson
1936 Rice Lintz Wallace Davis Harry Owens
1937 Wallace Davis Harry Owens Frederick Williams
1946 Frederick Williams John Harvey Bennie Grayson

1929 Wallace Davis Russell Downey
1930 Virgil Thompson C. M. Davis
1931 Russell Downey C. M. Davis
326

1937 J. W. Taylor C. M. Davis
1946 Wallace Davis C. M. Davis
DECATUR LODGE, NO. 14, SIOUX CITY, IOWA

1929 B. F. Griffin Henry Kendrick Dan Daniels
1930 Leland W. Green Leland W. Green James Hudson
1931 Leland W. Green Dan Daniels A. J. Hicks
1932 Leland W. Green Noble A. Green A. J. hicks
1933 A. J. Hicks Noble A. Green Saml T. Vaughn
1934 Chas. W. Hancock Chas. W. Hancock Henry Kendrick
1935 Chas. W. Hancock S. T. Vaughan Jas. B. Hicks
1936 Henry R. Kendrick Wm. H. Joseph Leland W. Green
1937 Henry R. Kendrick Leland W. Green Dan Daniels
1946 Henry R. Kendrick A. J. Hicks W. H. Bean

1929 Noble A. Green L.J.Carter
1930 B. F. Griffin L.J.Carter
1937 B. F. Griffin B. F. Griffin
1946 B. F. Griffin B. F. Griffin
MAPLE GROVE LODGE, NO. 16, OSKALOOSA, IOWA

1929 Robert Nelson Rennie Nelson Robt. Franklin
(Acting)
1930 Robert Franklin Mabron Stewart Ronnie Nelson
1931 Robert Franklin Mabron Stewart Robert Nelson
1934 Robert Franklin Mabron Stewart

1929 Robt. Johnson MabronStewart
1930 Robt. Johnson Edw.Nelson
1931 Robt. Johnson Edw.Nelson
1934 A.G.Clark
CEDAR GROVE LODGE, NO. 18, ALBIA, IOWA

1929 Thos. Lighons Homer Stevenson L. Walker
1930 Joe Edmond Wm. Gordon B. T. Lewis
1931 Frank Garrison E. M. Taylor L. Mallett
1932 Joe Edmonds H. W. Green J. F. Hockaday
327
1933 Wm. Gordon G. D. Yancy Abb Tate

1934 Wm. Gordon Abb Tate G. D. Yancy
1935 Wm. Gordon G. D. Yancy Abb Tate
1936 Wm. Gordon
1937 Wm. Gordon

1929 W. M. Carter DanSmith
1930 Inke Mosely G.W.Bowman
1931 Wm. Guy H.A.Smith
1932 John Davie H.B.Smith
1933 Thos Lighons G.W.Bowman
HIRAM LODGE, NO. 19, DAVENPORT, IOWA

1929 W. B. Sample B. F. Hopkins Eugene Ballard
1930 W. B. Sample B. F. Hopkins Eugene Ballard
1931 G. F. Hopkins W. H. Green L. J. Henry
1932 L. J. Henry H. W. Green L. F. Hockaday
1933 L. J. Henry H. W. Green L. F. Hockaday
1934 J. W. young L. F. Hockaday E. Berry
1935 W. B. Sample E. Berry J. Collins
1936 L. F. Hockaday Edw. Berry Julius Collins
1937 Leonard Hockaday Walter Miller Chas. Davie
1946 John A. Payton Booker Alston Oscar Browner

1929 John Davie L.J.Henry
1937 John Davie L. J. Henry
1946 Joshua Roberts Harold Buckner
EUREKA LODGE, NO. 20, MARSHALLTOWN, IOWA

1929 M. H. Warm F. F. Johnson Curtis Ross
1930 F. F. Johnson Attie Maxwell S. Nolan
1931 I. L. Brown Curtis Ross M. J. Jones
1932 I. L. Brown Samuel Nolan C. T. Brown
1933 I. L. Brown Grant Jackson Dewey Nolan
328
1934 I. L. Brown Dewey Nolan Curtis Ross

1935 I. L. Brown C. T. Brown Artis Maxwell
1936 I. L. Brown C. T. Brown N. A. Ragland
1937 I. L. Brown C. T. Brown N. A. Ragland
1946 N. A. Raglin M. H. Warn Jas. Brown

1929 A. C. Wolder Geo.L.Suter
McNEIL LODGE, NO. 21, CLINTON, IOWA

1929 J. W. Porter E. J. Stewart W. L. Toney
1930 E. J. Stewart Holland J. W. Porter
Williams
1931 E. J. Stewart C. I. Thompson J. W. Porter
1932 C. I. Thompson W. L. Toney Vincent Culberson
1933 W. L. Toney Vincent Culberson C. I. Thompson
1934 L. W. Watts Vincent Culberson Rueben Thompson
1935 Holland Williams Rueben Thompson Money Harris
1936 Holland Williams Rueben Thompson Money Harris
1937 F. A. Judon Will Williams Wesley Porter
1946 W. L. Toney Jas. Henderson Thos. Washington

1929 J. T. Culberson H.G.Williams
1930 J. T. Culberson H.G.Williams
1931 L. W. Watts H.G.Williams
1934 Jas. Henderson Chas.I.Thompson
1935 L. W. Watts Chas.I.Thompson
1936 L. W. Watts Chas.I.Thompson
1937 W. L. Toney Chas.I.Thompson
1946 E. J. Stewart FredA.Judin
ALBIA STAR LODGE, NO. 26, ALBIA, IOWA

1929 Roy Grayson Wm. Gordon Luke Mosely
329
1929 Britton Thomas BenLewis
DUBUQUE LODGE, NO. 29, DUBUQUE, IOWA

1929 L. Fletcher C. Gray Mose Gibbs
1930 L. Fletcher Mose Gibbs A. S. Martin
1931 John C. Wells G. Dey Johnson A. S. Martin
1932 John C. Wells A. S. Martin Mose Gibbs
1933 A. S. Martin L. Fletcher J. C. Wells
1934 A. S. Martin L. Fletcher Fred E. Caldwell
1935 Fred E. Caldwell L. Fletcher A. S. Martin
1936 Fred E. Caldwell L. Fletcher A. S. Martin
1937 Fred E. Caldwell L. Fletcher Sam Scott
1946 Henry Sibley Edwin Weaver

1929 C. C. McGregor H.A.Martin
1930 C. C. McGregor H.A.Martin
1931 L. Fletcher H.A.Martin
1932 L. Fletcher H.A.Martin
1933 Mose Gibbs H.A.Martin
1946 H. Al. Martin H.A.Martin
DORIC LODGE, NO. 30, DES MOINES, IOWA

1929 Herbert R. Gus Thomas Clarence King
Wright
1930 Gus Thomas J. W. Smith Colonel Hill
1931 Gus Thomas Colonel Hill J. G. Poston
1932 Colonel Hill J. G. Poston Jack Burns
1933 J. W. Smith J. G. Poston Paul D. Godloe
1934 J. W. Smith W. M. Rhodes Chas Holmes
1935 W. M. Rhodes W. W. Humbard G. H. Edmunds
1936 G. H. Edmunds L. L. Branch Chas. Shelton
1937 Paul D. Goodloe Chas. Shelton Spencer Elliston
1946 Chas. A. Coleman Paul L. Wilson

1931 C. F. Topson C. C. Johnson
1934 S. Joe Brown L. E. Fowler
1935 S. Joe Brown J. W. Smith
1936 S. Joe Brown J. W. Smith
330
1937 S. Joe Brown W. J. Shepard

1946 S. Joe Brown Chas. S. Holmes
TWIN CITY LODGE, NO. 32. COUNCIL BLUFFS, IOWA

1930 Wm. A. Given John Turner W. H. Herndon
1931 I. J. Caldwell Louis Carbins W. H. Herndon
1932 K. J. Caldwell Louis Carbins W. H. Herndon
1937 I. J. Caldwell W. H. Herndon Louis Carbins
1946 I. J. Caldwell Hurlen Harvey Hansel Lytle

1929 Not Reported NotReported
1930 A. Stewart SheltonPearl,Jr.
1931 Wm. A. Givens SheltonPearl,Jr.
1934 Wm. A. Givens Wm.A.Givens
KEYSTONE LODGE, NO. 33, CLARINDA, IOWA

1929 Harvey McNeal K. D. Black Merrill Griggs
1930 Harvey McNeal K. D. Black Raymond Walker
1931 Harvey McNeal K. D. Black Raymond Walker
1932 Raymond Walker Harvey McNeal K. D. Black
1933 Raymond Lewis Arnett K. D. Black
Walker
1935 Raymond Walker K. D. Black

1933 Wm. Headley
1935 Wm. Headley
PERFECT ASHLER LODGE, NO. 34, MASON CITY, IOWA

331
1929 Wm. Percy Parker Harvey Spencer M. L. Ewing

1930 M. L. Ewing J. A. Ashford A. G. Moore
1931 Harvey Spencer A. B. Caldwell Felix Parker
1932 Harvey Spencer Alfred Lowery Harry Smith
1933 John Ashford Alfred Lowery Howard Brown
1934 Roy McAllister T. P. Stewart Jery Page
1935 E. C. Martin T. P. Stewart Harvey Spencer
1936 E. C. Martin Howard Brown Hary Smith
1937 Fred Gerwood Howard Brown Felix Parker
1946 Albert Saunders Horace Spencer Earl Parker

1929 A. H. May Jno. D. Reeler
1930 A. May Virgil Warren
1933 W. P. Parker Virgil Warren
1946 Roy McAllister Edw.Martin
ST. JOHNS LODGE, NO. 35, WATERLOO, IOWA

1929 Sim Holmes A. H. Hyland Doc Robinson
1930 Wm. Guy Frank Garrison Louis Mallett
1931 Frank Garrison E. M. Taylor Louis Mallett
1932 Frank Garrison Louis Mallett Jesse Garrison
1933 Frank Garrison A. H. Hyland Birdie Jackson
1934 Frank Garrison J. H. Jordan Birdie Jackson
1935 Dock Robinson Birdie Jackson J. L. Page
1936 Wm. Bell A. W. Potter
1937 Wm. Bell Dan Anderson J. L. Page
1946 Birdie Jackson Harry Martin Oscar Mallett

1929 Wm. Guy Wm. Bell
1930 C. C. Casey Hubert Smith
1931 Wm. Guy Hubert Smith
1932 Wm. Guy U. G. Smith
1933 Dock Roberson U. G. Smith
1934 Dock Roberson U. G. Smith
1935 Frank Garrison H. T. Bell
1946 Henry Eskridge Bishop C. Burt
EASTERN STAR LODGE, NO. 36, FORT DODGE, IOWA

332
1929 Clarence Coffman John Bernard Jeroy patterson

1930 Oscar J. Williams J. W. Madison Leroy Patterson
1931 E. Taylor Thomps Franklin J. T. Bernard
1932 E. Taylor Ed. Howard Albert Carter
(Acting) (Acting)

1929 Louis Biggs Wm. A. Brown, Jr.
1930 O. R. Coffman J. L. Bernard
1931 O. R. Coffman H. Brown
1932 T. R. Patterson H. Brown
PEARL CITY LODGE, NO. 39, MUSCATINE, IOWA

1929 J. D. Lamb W. B. Williams N. L. Black
1930 A. O. Powell W. Thompson Jas. Redd.
1931 J. P. McWilliams George Rice Walter Thompson
1932 J. P. McWilliams H. E. Robinson A. O. Powell
1933 N. L. Black A. O. Powell F. Turner
1934 Walter Thompson J. Rice J. W. Turner
1935 Walter Thompson A. O. Powell Fred Turner
1936 W. W. Williams F. Turner A. O. Powell
1937 W. W. Williams F. Turner A. O. Powell

1929 James Redd A. O. Powell
1930 J. P. McWilliams J. D. Lamb
1931 Ed Bains J. D. Lamb
ROUGH ASHLER LODGE, NO. 41, WASHINGTON, IOWA

1929 P. A. McLemore W. B. Williams N. J. Black
1930 P. A. McLemore W. B. Williams Jas. Redd
1931 P. A. McLemore W. B. Williams Fred Turner
1932 P. A. McLemore W. B. Williams Fred Turner

1929 Jas. Redd Moses E. Hall
1930 Moses Hall N. L. Black
TUSCAN LODGE, NO. 42, CENTERVILLE, IOWA

333
1929 Schuyler Jones Wm. Herndon John Ewing

1930 S. H. Jones W. S. Herndon Chas. Best
1931 S. H. jones Chas. Best Harry Reed
1932 Samuel Lee C. B. Bandy Harry Reed
1933 Samuel Lee C. B. Bandy Harry Reed
1934 Samuel Lee Harry Reed
1935 Harry Reed Robt. Terrell Ransom Colie
1936 Saml Lee Chas. Morris Leroy Hicks
1937 Harry Reed Chas. Morris Jas. Thompson
1946 Matthew Barnes Robt. H. Jones Louis Conley

1929 Robt. Terrell C. B. Bandy
1930 Robt. Terrell C. B. Bandy
1931 Robt. Terrell John Ewing
1932 John Chiles S. H. Jones
1946 C. D. Robinson W. P. Lewis
CORINTHIAN LODGE, NO. 43, FT. MADISON, IOWA

1929 G. H. Clark E. Range Ottis Johnson
1930 A. C. Anderson Richard Anderson J. M. Payne
1931 A. C. Anderson Richard Anderson R. J. Johnson
1932 A. C. Anderson Richard Anderson
1933 Richard Anderson Albert Wilson A. W. Bates
1934 J. M. Payton A. C. Anderson Albert Wilson
1935 J. M. Payton A. C. Anderson Albert Wilson
1936 R. Johnson A. C. Anderson Albert Wilson
1937 G. H. Clark Wade Preley Fred Anderson
1946 H. Aldrich L. L. lewis A. Woods

1929 Bert Payne H. Aldridge
1946 F. Marsh W. W. Windsor
CEDAR VALLEY LODGE, NO. 44, DES MOINES, IOWA

334
1929 W. C. Buice Jeff martin Wm. E. Watkins

1930 W. C. Buice Wm. F. Watkins Wm. Gibson
1931 W. C. Buice Earl Hughes Earl Dunn
1932 W. C. Buice D. K. King Earl Dunn
1933 W. C. Buice Wm. M. Watkins E. B. Dunn
1934 Jeff Martin Tim Carter D. K. King
1935 Jeff Martin W. E. Watkins D. K. King
1936 John Bell D. K. King
1937 John Bell D. K. King

1946 F. Marsh W. W. Windsor
335
FRATERNAL DEATH ROLL

1866--1945
OUR FRATERNAL DEAD
Following is a list of the Fraternal Dead as reported in the

printed Proceedings of the three Grand Lodges that exercised
Masonic jurisdiction in the state of Iowa.
Grand Lodge of Missouri
No deaths were reported in 1866, 1867, 1868 and 1869.
1870--1
Brother Brown, James, York Lodge No. 8, Keokuk. Date not given.
1871--None
1872--2
Brother Lawrence, David, York Lodge No. 8, Keokuk,
Brother Story, F. W., York Lodge No. 8, Keokuk.
1873--None
1874--1
Brother Evans, E., York Lodge No. 8.
1875--2
Brother Anderson, York E., York Lodge No. 8, Sept. 22, 1875.
Brother Riley, J. J., York Lodge No. 8, Nov. 13, 1875.
1876--2
Brother Darry, Lewis, Sims Lodge 50, Oskaloosa, April 7, 1876.
Brother Lowery, Geo. W., Clark Lodge No. 6, Washington, Date not
given.
1877, 1878, 1879None
1880---1
Brother Tyler, A., Sumner Lodge No. 41, Burlington April 28, 1 880
1881--2
Brother Butler, Green, Mt. Olive Lodge No. 86, Cedar Rapids, Oct. 26,
1881.
Brother Merritt, J., Star Lodge No. 51, Keokuk, March 3, 1881.
336
1882--2
Brother Cook, Joseph, Clark Lodge No. 6, Davenport. Date not
given.
Brother Johnson, Chas, Sims Lodge No. 50, Oskaloosa, May 5, 1882.
1883--2
Brother Hackett, Chas., Star Lodge No. 51, Keokuk.
Brother Moore, Kennedy, Mt. Olive Lodge No, 86, Cedar Rapids, Dec.
18, 1883.
African Grand Lodge of Iowa
1881, 1883, 1884None
1885--1
Brother Johnson, Geo. H., North Star Lodge No. 2, Sept. 28, 1884.
1886--5
Brother Bland, George, York Lodge No. 1, March 13, 1886.
Brother Brown, W. R., King Solomon Lodge No. 10, April 13,1886.
Brother Sanders, W. B., King Solomon Lodge No. 10, Dec. 12,1886.
Brother Young, Lafayette, Golden Star Lodge No. 4, July 6, 1886.
Brother Wells, H. P., King Solomon Lodge No. 10, Nov. 16, 1886.
1887--4
Brother Coalson, James, North Star Lodge No. 2, May 8, 1886.
Brother Edwards, J. R., Reed Lodge No. 20, Sept. 10, 1886.
Brother Scott, George, Anchor Lodge No. 14, May, 1887.
Brother Warrick, Thos., North Star Lodge No. 2, Sept. 24, 1886.
Hiram Grand Lodge of Iowa
During the three years it functioned from August 1884 to August

1887 it reported only one death.
Brother Charles Ayers, Cedar Grove Lodge No. 4 at Muchakinock, Feb.

20, 1885.
United Grand Lodge of Iowa
1882--2
Brother Osborn, Cyrus, Cedar Grove Lodge No. 18, Aug. 26, 1888,
Brother Smith, Isaac, North Star Lodge No. 15, Sept. 21, 1887.
1889--1
337
Brother Bolden, John, Cedar Grove Lodge No. 17, Jan. 11, 1889.
1890--7
Brother Bennie, B. F., Anchor Lodge No. 14, Minneapolis. Date not
given.
Brother Bettis, N. M., York Lodge No. 1, Keokuk. Date not given.
Brother Graves, A., Sims Lodge o. 16, Oskaloosa. Date not given.
Brother Jones, Thos., North Star Lodge No. 15, Des Moines, Date
not given.
Brother Robinson, J., Golden Star Lodge No. 4, Ottumwa. Date not
given.
Brother Spears, J. W., Cedar Grove Lodge No. 18. Date not given,
Brother Williams, Frank, Cedar Grove Lodge No. 18. Date not given.
1891--9
Brother Baker, A. F., King Solomon Lodge No. 10, Cleveland
Brother Clark, Alexander, Mt. Olive Lodge No. 17, May 24, 1891.
Brother Crosley, Israel, Pioneer Lodge No. 12, St. Paul. Date not
given.
Brother Dickson, Samuel, Union Lodge No. 1, Keokuk. Date not
given.
Brother Dyer, Walker, Maple Grove Lodge No. 16, Oskaloosa. Date
not given.
Brother Hazelwood, Geo. A., Cascade Lodge, U. D., Roslyn, Wash.
Date not given.
Brother Hilyard, Jas. K., Sr., Pioneer Lodge No. 12, St. Paul, April 21,
1891.
Brother James, Edward, Pioneer Lodge No. 12, St. Paul. Date not
given.
Brother Logan, C. C., Union Lodge No. 1, Keokuk. Date not given.
1892--3
Brother Brown, Archie, North Star Lodge No. 2, April 30, 1892.
Brother Dove, Rev. Wm. A., Union Lodge No. 1, April 11, 1892.
Brother Stout, J. E., Anchor Lodge No. 14, Jan. 24, 1892.
1893--3
Brother Beckley, M., Union Lodge No. 1, Nov. 11, 1892.
Brother Fowler, C. L., Golden Star Lodge No. 4, Ottumwa. Date not
given.
Brother Sublett, Peter, Golden Star Lodge No. 4, Ottumwa. Date not
given.
1894--6
Brother Gray, H. W., North Star Lodge No. 2, June 15, 1894.
338
Brother Harris, A. J., Union Lodge No. 1, May 4, 1894.

Brother Parrant, Thos., Pioneer Lodge No. 12, Jan. 7, 1894.
Brother Ross, Wm. H., Maple Grove Lodge No. 16, May 16, 1894,
Brother Slaughter, Chas., Sumner Lodge No. 3, May 29, 1894,
Brother Smith, T. H., Woodfork Lodge, U. D., Jan. 1, 1894.
1895--8
Brother Besen, T. W., Enterprise Lodge No. 22, June 18, 1894.
Brother Davis, Wm., Mt. Olive Lodge No. 17, Nov. 23, 1894.
Brother Denney, Geo. W., Union Lodge No. 1, Aug. 10, 1894.
Brother Green, James, North Star Lodge No. 2, Dec. 8, 1894.
Brother Jackson, T. A., Anchor Lodge No. 14, April 28, 1895.
Brother Kitchen, Henry, Maple Grove Lodge No. 16, Oct. 16, 1894.
Brother Miles, Joseph, Union Lodge No. 1, November 13, 1894.
Brother Webb, Geo., Enterprise Lodge No. 22, August 8, 1894.
1896--3
Brother Gomer, Richard, Mt. Olive Lodge No. 17, July 26, 1895.
Brother Johnson, Amos, Grand Lodge of Missouri, Sept. 27, 1895.
Brother Wilson, George, Union Lodge No. 1, October 10, 1894.
1897--2
Brother Ellington, A. W., Clinton Lodge No. 21, June 13, 1897.
Brother Fields, Wm., Maple Grove No. 16, April 24, 1897.
1898--1
Brother Bland, Martin V., Union Lodge No. 1, February 2, 1898.
1899--2
Brother Bean, Henry C., Hiram Lodge No. 19, April 30, 1899.
Brother Holmes, Peter, North Star Lodge No. 2, Feb. 24, 1899.
1900--2
Brother Stewart, Wm., Union Lodge No. 1, March 2, 1900.
Brother Williams, Jackson, Sumner Lodge No. 3, March 25, 1900.
1901--5
Brother Franklin, Samuel, Cedar Grove Lodge No. 18, Dec. 13, 1900.
Brother Lee, J. W., Golden Star Lodge No. 4, November 20, 1900.
Brother Ringo, Peter, Maple Grove Lodge No. 1,6, Sept. 17, 1900.
Brother Roberts, J. S., Hiram Lodge No. 19, Feb. 19, 1901.
Brother Ware, Daniel, Union Lodge No. 1, Jan. 27, 19()1.
1902--11
Brother Dixon, Rev. Moses, Grand Lodge of Missouri, Nov. 26, 1901.
339
Brother Dodd, Zachariah, Maple Grove Lodge No. 16, March 26, 1902.
Brother Gomer, Charles, Mt. Olive Lodge No. 17, May 11, 1902.
Brother Green, B. W., Cedar Grove Lodge No. 18, Jan. 28, 1902.
Brother Jewett, Alfred, Cedar Grove Lodge No. 18, April 27, 1902.
Brother Jones, W. P., Cedar Grove Lodge No. 18, Oct. 18, 1901.
Brother Jones, Geo. W., Union Lodge No. 1, August 18, 1901.
Brother Herne, R., Decatur Lodge, No. 13, June 12, 1902.
Brother Roberts, C. W., Cascade Lodge No. 23, April 22, 1902, Brother
Shavers, J. W., Cascade Lodge No. 2.1, Sept. 9, 1901.
Brother Woods, J. L., Eureka Lodge No. 20, August 7, 1901.
1903---2
Brother Clenlans, David T., Rescue Lodge No. 25, Dec. 10, 1902.
Brother Woods, Hudson, North Star Lodge No. 2, May 13, 1903.
1904--9
Brother Canaday, S. L., Maple Grove Lodge No. 16, Aug. 23, 1903.
Brother Carey, Willis W., Cedar Grove Lodge No. 18, Jan. 27, 1904.
Brother Fields, Vincent, Union Lodge No. 1, April 26, 1904.
Brother Fox, Sike, Union Lodge No. 1, Oct. 11, 1903.
Brother Jones, Romeo, Cedar Grove Lodge No. 18, Feb. 4, 1904.
Brother Nelson, John, Trinity Lodge No. 28, Dec. 7, 1903.
Brother Perno, Wm., Maple Grove Lodge No. 16, May 29, 1904.
Brother Holmes, B. J., North Star Lodge No. 2, July 25, 1903.
Brother Washington, W. H., Rescue Lodge No. 25, March 21, 1904.
1905--10
Brother Benthon, Jacob, Union Lodge No. 1, Nov. 23, 1904.
Brother Foeman, J. D., North Star Lodge No. 2, May 31, 1905.
Brother Harris, J. M., Rescue Lodge No. 25, March 30, 1905.
Brother Horne, Essex, Golden Star Lodge No. 4, Dec. 4, 1904.
Brother Jackson, David, Cedar Grove Lodge No. 18, Aug. 20, 1905,
Brother Jones, A. H., North Star Lodge No. 2, April 11, 1904.
Brother Jones, U. S., Albia Star Lodge No;. 26, June 21, 1905,
Brother Morton, N. E., North Star Lodge No. 2, Feb. 4, 1905.
Brother Taylor, A. L., Eureka Lodge No. 20, Dec. 10, 1904.
Brother Wilson, Louis, North Star Lodge No. 2, April 28, 1905.
1905--6
Brother Allen, Benj., Rescue Lodge No. 25, May 12, 1906.
Brother Jefferson, J. J., Golden Star Lodge No. 4, Aug. 29, 1905.
Brother Lewis, H. H., North Star Lodge No. 2, Dec. 12, 1905,
Brother McNeil, J. E., Clinton Lodge No. 21, July 21, 1905.
Brother Spindle, J. H., Cascade Lodge No. 23, April 6, 1906.
340
1907--10
Brother Ellison, J. D., Golden Star Lodge No. 4, Nov. 6, 1906.
Brother Jackson, Martin, Cedar Grove Lodge No. 18, Sept. 12, 1906.
Brother Johnson, Peter, Mt. Olive Lodge No. 17, Feb. 25, 1906.
Brother Martin, Edward, Union Lodge No. 1, May 29, 1906.
Brother Montgomery, A. H., Golden Circle Lodge No. 27, Feb. 8, 1907.
Brother Payett, Osmond, Eureka Lodge No. 20, Feb. 3, 1907.
Brother Thomas, Frank, Crystal Lodge No. 24, July 14, 1907.
Brother Vandermeter, G. W., Albia Star Lodge No. 26. No date.
Brother Williams, Washington, North Star Lodge No. 2, Feb. 12, 1907.
Brother White, Wm., Guiding Star Lodge No. 31, March 21, 1907.
1908--4
Brother Canaday, J. T., Cedar Grove Lodge No. 18, July 27, 1907.
Brother Krys, Richard, Union Lodge No. 1, Feb. 24, 1908.
Brother Sutton, Edward, Decatur Lodge No. 14, Aug. 6, 1907.
Brother Williams, John, Maple Grove Lod-,c No. 16, Jan. 30, 1908.
1909--8
Brother Fields, Frank, McNeil Lodge No. 21, Aug. 3, 1908.
Brother Goins, E., Union Lodge No. 1, Feb. 20, 1909.
Brother Hamilton, J. H., Golden Star Lodge No. 4, April 19, 1909.
Brother Hooker, H. H., North Star Lodge No. 2, April 5, 1909.
Brother Morgan, J. H., Decatur Lodge No. 14, July 29, 1908.
Brother Perkins, Anderson, Cedar Grove Lodge No. 18, Feb. 3, 1909.
Brother Tiggs, S. L., Sumner Lodge No. 3, Oct. 23, 1908.
Brother Williams, Fred, Doric Lodge No. 30, Jan. 18, 1909.
1910--9
Brother Basum, Wesley, Decatur Lodge No. 14, July 25, 1909.
Brother Bradford, A. W., Golden Star No. 4, Feb. 2, 1910.
Brother Clark, Frank, Golden Star No. 4, Oct. 3, 1909.
Brother Cleggett G. H., North Star Lodge No. 2, March 9, 1910.
Brother Collins, Eugene, Twin City Lodge No. 12, Jan. 14, 1910.
Brother Gaines, J. L., Twin City Lodge No. 32, Nov. 10, 1909.
Brother Harris, G. D., Cedar Grove Lodge No. 18, Aug. 13, 1909.
Brother Jackson, Fred, North Star Lodge No. 2, Jan. 7, 1910.
Brother Robinson, Dannie, Rescus Lodge No .25, Aug. 4, 1909.
1911--7
Brother Boyd, J. A., Mt. Olive Lodge No. 17, Dec. 22, 1910.
Brother Davenport, H. L., Cedar Grove Lodge No. 18, March 25, 1911.
Brother Harris Wm., Mt. Olive Lodge No. 17, Dec. 22, 1910.
Brother Harris, John, Union Lodge No. 1, Jan. 14, 1911.
341
Brother Haygood, Wm., Twin City Lodge No. 3 2, April 30, 1911.
Brother Raspberry, W. H., Mt. Olive Lodge No. 17, Nov. 25,1910.
Brother Tyler, George, Twin City Lodge No. 32, April 30, 1911.
1912--2
Brother Anderson, D. W., Union Lodge No. 1, May 21, 1912.
Brother Caloway, Fred, Hiram Lodge No. 19, March 26, 1911.
Brother Roe, Benjamin, Rescue Lodge No. 25, Sept. 21, 1911.
Brother Wylie, W. J., Rescue Lodge No. 25, Jan. 22, 1912.
1913--9
Brother Harris, John F., Golden Star Lodge No. 4, Dec. 27, 1912.
Brother Jackson, J. W., Rescue Lodge No. 25, Jan. 25, 1912.
Brother Jamison, A. L., Golden Star Lodge No. 4, Jan. 15, 1913.
Brother Marshall, Edward, Mt. Olive Lodge No. 17, Aug. 13, 1912.
Brother Matthews, Wm., North Star Lodge No. 2, March 5, 1913.
Brother Mott, Wm. G., Hiram Lodge No. 19, March 14, 1913.
Brother Smith, William, North Star Lodge No. 2, April 20, 1913.
Brother, Swan, Otis, Eureka Lodge No. 20, Aug. 31, 1912.
Brother Turner, James, Twin City Lodge No. 32, Nov. 14, 1912.
1914--2
Brother Jones, Geo. H., Cedar Grove Lodge No. 18, July 10, 1914.
Brother Lee, W. W., Cedar Grove Lodge No. 18, Oct. 16, 1914.
1915--8
Brother Banning, James, Perfect Ashler Lodge No. 34, July 31, 1914.
Brother Beadle, Chas. L., Cedar Grove Lodge No. 18, Feb. 23, 1915.
Brother Cooper, B. F., Cedar Grove No. 18, May 9, 1915.
Brother Clenlaus, E. S., Rescue Lodge No. 25, Dec. 3, 1914.
Brother Davis, C. F., Twin City Lodge No. 32, Jan. 23, 1915.
Brother Mitchell, Sanford, Sumner Lodge No. 3, No date given.
Brother King, Slaughter, Cedar Grove Lodge No. 18, May 14, 1915.
Brother Woods, Tolbert, North Star Lodge No. 2, Oct. 18, 1914.
1916--9
Brother Doyle, Emerson, Cedar Grove Lodge No. 18, Feb. 8, 1916.
Brother Johnson, Jas. H., Golden Star Lodge No. 4, Aug. 4, 1915.
Brother Johnson, Gibbs L., North Star Lodge No. 2, Jan. 9, 1916.
Brother Martin, Jas. S., Maple Grove Lodge No. 16, March 12, 1916.
Brother Pettigrew, C. Q., Doric Lodge No. 30, May 7, 1916.
Brother Ruff, James, North Star Lodge No. 2, Sept. 2, 1915.
Brother Spicer, Thomas, Golden Star Lodge No. 4, Feb. 12, 1916,
Brother Warn, Harry, Eureka Lodge No. 20, July 1, 1915.
Brother Williams, Luther, Golden Star Lodge No. 4, Aug, 4, 1915.
342
1917--14
Brother Brown, Andrew, Rescue Lodge No. 25, Jan. 23, 1917.
Brother Elliott, H. T., Golden Star Lodge No. 4, July 1, 1916.
Brother Foster, Morris L., Cedar Grove Lodge No. 18, Sept. 30, 1916.
Brother Heunson, Frank, Golden Star Lodge No. 4, May 7, 1917.
Brother Hopkins, Chas., Twin City Lodge No. 32, Dec. 29, 1916.
Brother Henderson, Wm., McNeill Lodge No. 21, April 27, 1917.
Brother Oliver, L. L., Hiram Lodge No. 19, Dec. 15, 1916.
Brother Parker, Fred, Doric Lodge No. 30, Sept. 25, 1916.
Brother Pegg, John G., Rescue Lodge No. 25, Aug. 3, 1916.
Brother Pettigrew, Pearl, St. John's Lodge No. 35, July 7, 1916.
Brother Richardson, Wm., -McNeil Lodge No. 21, Sept. 18, 1916.
Brother Scott, H. F., Doric Lodge No. 30, Nov. 20, 1916.
Brother Smith, F. L., Union Lodge No. 1, April 8, 1917.
Brother Watson, J. H., Western Star Lodge No. 36, Dec. 22, 1916.
1918--10
Brother Bowles, Daniel, Golden Star Lodge No. 4, Nov. 19, 1917.
Brother Coleman, T. A., Cedar Grove Lodge No. 18, Nov. 21, 1917.
Brother Fields, Orange, Union Lodge No. 1, April 6, 1918.
Brother Home, Harry A., Mt. Olive Lodge No. 17, Nov. 9, 1917,
Brother Jackson, M. J., Eureka Lodge No. 20, Sept. 28, 1917.
Brother March, Anderson, Cedar Grove Lodge No. 18, April 15, 1918.
Brother Mease, C. H., Cedar Grove Lodge No. 18, April 14, 1919.
Brother Mills, Morris, North Star Lodge No. 2, April 2, 1918.
Brother Shepard, Jos. H., North Star Lodge No. 2, March 3, 1918.
Brother Thompson, J. W., Rescue Lodge No. 25, April 1918.
1919--18
Brother Bright, Benj. B., Hiram Lodge No. 19, Dec. 11, 1918.
Brother Flippings, Harry, Eureka Lodge No. 20, April 12, 1919.
Brother Green, G. W., Eureka Lodge Nor. 20, Dec. 25, 1918.
Brother Gilmore, Chas, C., Eureka Lodge No. 20, May 25, 1919.
Brother Guy, George, McNeil Lodge No. 21, Oct. 21, 1918.
Brother Windsor, Richard, North Star Lodge No. 2, Feb. 12, 1918.
Brother Williams, John, Decatur Lodge No. 14, Dec. 2, 1918.
Brother Williams, Solomon, Dubuque Lodge No. 29. Died in his
Country's Service, Feb. 20, 1919.
1920---10
Brother Brown, Paul, Maple Grove Lodge No. 16, Oct. 9, 1919.
Brother Bruce, Robert, Doric Lodge No. 30, April 20, 1920.
343
Brother Jackson, Thomas, Mt. Olive Lodge No. 17, Oct. 23, 1919.
Brother Jones, 1. M., Doric Lodge No. 30, May 4, 1920.
Brother King, S. A., Golden Star Lodge No. 4, May 28, 1920.
Brother McDowell, Baxter, Cedar Grove Lodge No. 18, Feb, 4, 1920.
Brother Rose, Henry C., Dubuque Lodge No. 29, Dec. 17, 1919.
Brother Robinson, R. D.. Twin City Lodge No. 32, Jan. 20, 1920.
Brother Southall, C. G., Cedar Grove Lodge No. 18, Jan. 26, 1920.
Brother Thomas, E. C., Mt. Olive Lodge No. 17, Sept. 6, 1919.
1921--18
Brother Anthony, J. D., Decatur Lodge No. 14, Feb. 7, 1921.
Brother Bland, John W., Union Lodge No. 1, Oct. 9, 1920.
Brother Bradford, M. J., North Star Lodge No. 2, Feb. 26, 1921.
Brother Brown, Arthur, North Star Lodge No. 2, Oct. 13, 1920.
Brother Claridy, Wm. G., Doric Lodge No. 30, Oct. 19, 1920.
Brother Foster, Allen, Eureka Lodge No. 20, July 12, 1920.
Brother Freeman, E. P., Decatur Lodge No. 14, June 4, 1921.
Brother Green, Henry T., Ashler Lodge No. 41, April 1, 1921.
Brother Johnson, W. H., Keystone Lodge No. 33, Nov. 2, 1920.
Brother Mason, Geo. W., North Star Lodge No. 2, Feb. 8, 1921.
Brother McDonald J. Q., Twin City Lodge No. 32, March 10, 1921.
Brother McQuitty, Jacob, Union Lodge No. 1, Dec. 17, 1920.
Brother Obleton, Robert, Hiram Lodge No. 19, March 28, 1921.
Brother Rainey, J. F., Dubuque Lodge No. 29, June 11, 1920.
Brother Sencer, John A., Eureka Lodge No. 20, May 7, 1921.
Brother Watson, C. H., Cedar Grove Lodge No. 18, Nov. 12, 1920.
Brother Williams, John, Sumner Lodge No. 3, June 25, 1921.
Brother Woods, W. R., Cedar Grove Lodge No. 18, Sept. 13, 1920.
1922--15
Brother Bland, Austin A., Union Lodge No. 1, Dec. 26, 1921.
Brother Berry, W. L., Eureka Lodge No. 20, April 22, 1922.
Brother Jones, Roscoe, Maple Grove Lodge No. 16, Oct. 21, 1918.
Brother Johnson, Wilbur C., Maple Grove Lodge No. 16, Died in
France in his Country's Service, Oct. 21, 1918.
Brother Luckydoo, W. E., Union Lodge NG. 1, July 7, 1918.
Brother McGregor, A. L., Dubuque Lodge No. 29, Oct. 6, 1919.

Brother Miller, Sidney, Rescue Lodge No. 25, Nov. 26, 1918.
Brother Mitchell, Simpson, Maple Grove Lodge No. 16, June 21, 1919.
Brother Rush, Jas. B., North Star Lodge No. 2, Sept. 8, 1918.
Brother Simmons, Abraham, Marvin Lodge No. 38, Oct. 7, 1918.
Brother Sturgis, T. H., Decatur Lodge No. 14, Dec. 22, 1918.
Brother Taylor, George, North Star Lodge No. 2, Feb. 12, 1919.
344
Brother Bradford, Chas. R., North Star Lodge No. 2, April 3, 1922.
Brother Cook, W. H., Cedar Grove Lodge No. 18, March 29, 1922.
Brother Foster, Chas. L., Cedar Grove Lodge No. 18, April 6, 1922.
Brother Henderson, Ed., Maple Grove Lodge No. 16, April 19, 1922
Brother Mickels, Archie, North Star Lodge No, 2, June 7, 1922.
Brother Peyton, Major, Union Lodge No. 1, June 27, 1922.
Brother Richardson, Claude, Pearl City Lodge No. 39, June 28,1922
Brother Renix, Jas. L., Perfect Ashler Lodge No. 14, May 28, 1922.
Brother Reynolds, Lee, Cedar Grove Lodge No. 18, Nov.7, 1921.
Brother Sellers, James, Eureka Lodge No. 20, May 31, 1922.
Brother Wells, McKinley, Sumner Lodge No. 3, Dec. 17, 1921.
Brother Williams, Solomon, Union Lodge No. 1, July 16, 1921.
Brother White, Wilbert, Hiram Lodge No. 19, June 4, 1922.
1923--12
Brother Blakey, Robert, Cedar Grove Lodge No. 18, Nov. 30, 1922.
Brother Coleman, 0. L., Doric Lodge, No. ;0, May 15, 1923.
Brother Hyde, R. N., North Star Lodge No. 2, Dec. 8, 1922.
Brother Mack, Ernest, Mt. Olive Lodge No. 17, Jan. 14, 1923.
Brother Mays, John S., Cedar Grove Lodge No. 1.8, April 8, 1923.
Brother Morgan, E. S., North Star Lodge No. 2, Jan. 29, 1922.
Brother Nolan, Lewis, Cedar Grove Lodge No. 18, May 9, 1923,
Brother Searcy, C. H., Mt. Olive Lodge No. 17, Dec. 16, 1922.
Brother Smith, Sr. Oscar B., Maple Grove Lodge No. 16, April 22,
1923.
Brother Stewart, 0. W. F., Keystone Lodge No. 3), June 0, 1923
Brother Williams, Taylor, Twin City Lodge No. 32, Jan. 12 1923.
Brother Woods, Wm., North Star Lodge No. 2, May 13, 1923,
1924--24
Brother Bradford, John E. (Grand Master) Hiram Lodge No. 19,
Oct. 24, 1923.
Brother Blackburn, E. Tracy, North Star Lodge No. 2, Jan. 1, 1924.
Brother Brown, Grent, Cedar Grove Lodge. No. 18, April 14, 1924.
Brother Chism, Geo. Y., Maple Grove Lodge No, 16, May 24, 1924.
Brother Ellis, John, St. John's Lodge No. 35, Aug. 14, 1923.
Brother Johnson, Frank, North Star Lodge No. 2, April 19, 1924.
Brother Jones, Wm. H., Union Lodge No. 1, Jan. 11, 1924.
Brother Jones, George, Keystone Lodge No. 33, Aug. 3, 1923.
Brother Keys, Virgil, Maple Grove Lodge No. 16, Oct. 3, 1923.
Brother McDonald, Edw., North Star Lodge No. 2, Aug. 14, 1923.
Brother Nott, Rev. F. J., McNeil Lodge No. 21, Aug. 9, 1921.
Brother Pendleton, G. W., Cedar Grove Lodge No. 18, May 18, 1894.
Brother Perry, W. K., North Star Lodge No. 2, Sept. 11, 1921.
345
Brother Rhodes, A. W., Doric Lodge N. 30, Nov. 26, 1921.

Brother Samuels, E. F., Doric Lodge No. 30, Aug. 26, 1923.
Brother Shaw, E. L., Doric Lodge No. 30, March 7, 1894.
Brother Steele, Wm. E., Union Lodge No. 1, April 11, 1894.
Brother Stepp, A. W., Western Star Lodge No. 36, June 2.,
Brother Thompson, A. J., Doric Lodge No. -10, Jan. 28, 1924.
Brother Wall, Thomas, Golden Star Lodge No. 4, April 23, 1921.
Brother Watkins, Gus, North Star Lodge No. 2, March 18, 1924.
Brother Williams, Lester, North Star Lodge No. 2, April 20, 1924.
Brother West, Henry, North Star Lodge No. 2, July 11, 1924.
Brother Young, Geo. H., Hiram Lodge No. 19' Feb. 28, 1924.
1925--16
Brother Banks, E. T., Doric Lodge No. 30, Jan, 13, 1925.
Brother Bailey, Geo. W., Golden Star Lodge No. 4, April 26, 1925.
Brother Bester Irwin, North Star Lodge No. 2, March 'I, 1925.
Brother Buckner, Wm. T., North Star Lodge No. 2, Nov. 6, 1924.
Brother Burnam, Harry, North Star Lodge No. 2, Feb. 10, 1925.
Brother Comley, Gus, North' Star Lodge No. 2, April 29, 1925.
Brother Foster, Clayton R., Cedar Grove Lodge No. 19, Feb. 13, 1925 .
Brother Gardner, Wm., Doric Lodge No. 30, May 15, 1925.
Brother Hunter, Lewis H., North Star Lodge No. 2, Dec. 4, 1924.
Brother Johnson, Ulysses C., Union Lodge No. 1, April 7, 1925.
Brother Jones, Per,- H., Albia Star Lodge No. 26, June 4, 1925.
Brother Morris, Geo. W., Golden Star Lodge No. 4, Nov. 5, 1924.
Brother Moore, W. A., Twin City Lodge No. 32, May 30, 1925.
Bro ther Officer, Derry F., St. Johns Lodge No. 35, Dec. 22, 1924.
Brother Robinson, Thomas, Eureka Lodge No. 20, March 20, 1925.
Brot her Weedon, Earnest L., Union Lodge No. 1, Dec. 12, 1924.
1926--13
Brother Adams, C. A., Doric Lodge No. 30, Feb. 2. 1926.
Brother Bates. J. H., Cedar Grove Lodge No. 18, Aug. 9, 1925.
Brother Brinker, Henry, Mt. Olive Lodge No. 17, Sept. 11, 1925.
Brother Culbertson, M. 0., McNeil Lodge No. 21, Nov. 5, 1925,
Brother Hart, Chas. H., Doric Lodge No. 30, Nov. 16, 1925.
Brother Hughes, Lewis, Tuscan Lodge No. 42, Nov. 18, 1925.
Brother Johnson, Rev. 0. A., Maple Grove Lodge No. 16, Feb. 11,
1926.
Brother Milton, H. E., Golden Star Lodge No. 4, May 11, 1926.
Brother O'Bannon, Wm., Doric Lodge No. 30, March 17, 1926.
Brother Perry, Isaac, McNeil Lodge No. 21, June 24, 1926.
Brother Robinson, Joe, Albia Star Lodge No. 26, Oct. 26, 1925.
Brother Taylor, Earl, Union Lodge No. 1, July 27, 1925.
Brother Thomason, Woody, Maple Grove Lodge No. 16, Nov. 6, 1925.
346
1927--16
Brother Brooks, John L., Sumner Lodge No. 3, Jan. 25, 1927.
Brother Blackwell, James, Cedar Grove Lodge No. 18, March 24, 1927 .
Brother Burnough, Harry, North Star Lodge No. 2, Nov. 13, 1927.
Brother Carter, Tracey, Cedar Valley Lodge No. 44, July 20, 1926.
Brother Drake, Richard, Keystone Lodge No. 33, May 20, 1927.
Brother Gibbons, Thomas, Maple Grove Lodge No. 16, Nov. 1, 1926.
Brother Hale, Robert L., Golden Star Lodge No. 4, April 10, 1927.
Brother Harris, Roswell, St. John's Lodge No. 35, Nov. 23, 1926.
Brother Hester, Frank, Doric Lodge No. 30, Aug. 12, 1926.
Brother Johnson, Thomas, Dubuque Lodge No. 29, July 7, 1926.
Brother Jones, A. S., Union Lodge No. 1, April 5, 1927.
Brother Morrison, W. C., Cedar Grove Lodge No. 18, May 30,1927.
Brother Speed, Adam, St. John's Lodge No. 35, Feb. 18, 1927.
Brother Taylor, Z. A., Golden Star Lodge No. 4, April 5, 1927.
Brother Williamson, I. E., North Star Lodge No. 2, June 3, 1927.
Brother Woods, C. B., North Star Lodge No. 2, Jan. 21, 1927.
1928--23
Brother Berry, Non. 0., Doric Lodge No. 30, March 9, 1928.
Brother Billingsley, Wm., St. Johns Lodge No. 35, Sept. 26, 1927.
Brother Blagburn, Alden, North Star Lodge No. 2, Sept. 25, 1927.
Brother Bush, A. A., McNeil Lodge No,. 21, June 7, 1928.
Brother Cheshire, John J., Golden Star Lodge No. 4, April 5, 1928.
Brothers Flowers, Horance, Mt. Olive Lodge No. 17, April 5, 1928.
Brother Franklin, L. E., Albia Star Lodge No. 26, Sept. 13, 1927.
Brother Flippings, W. H., Eureka Lodge No. 20, Sept. 2, 1927.
Brother Green, Wm., Twin City Lodge No. 32, Nov. 2, 1927.
Brother Henderson, Duncan, North Star Lodge No. 2, Oct. 28, 1927
Brother Howard, Milton, Hiram Lodge No. 19, March 18, 1928.
Brother Humburd, W. H., Doric Lodge No. 30, Jan. 18, 1928.
Brother Johnson, Frank, Western Star Lodge No, 36, Jan. 9, 1928.
Brother Logan, Jefferson, North Star Lodge No. 2, Dec. 24, 1927.
Brother Martin, Chas., Doric Lodge No. 30, Jan. 11, 1928.
Brother Mills, W. A. S., Union Lodge No. 1, Dec. 2, 1927.
Brother Moore, Frank M., Maple Grove Lodge No. 16, Dec. 20, 1927.
Brother Rose, John W., Golden Star Lodge No. 4, May 24, 1928.
Brother Stevenson, Clint, Cedar Grove Lodge No. 18, April 20, 1928,
Brother Saunders, James, Doric Lodge No. 30, March 16, 1928.
Brother Wadkins, Wm., North Star Lodge No. 2, Sept. 29, 1927.
Brother Wilson, Wm. B., Sumners Lodge No. 3, Jan. 25, 1928.
Brother Whitehead, Mack C., Maple Grove Ledge No. 16, Feb, 25,
1928.
347
1929--18
Brother Brown, Rev. D. W., Keystone Lodge No. 33, Nov. 16, 1928.
Brother Carter, Henry, Cedar Grove Lodge No. 18, Jan. 1, 1929.
Brother Cadwell, Miles, Doric Lodge No. 30, April 12, 1929.
Brother Chipley, Geo. W., Mt. Olive Lodge No. 17, April 13, 1929.
Brother Dowden, Rev. J. W., Albia Star Lodge No, 26, Sept. 22, 1928.
Brother Fant Rev. Jas. W., Doric Lodge No. 30, April 19, 1929.
Brother Ferribee, Rev. J. H., Mt. Olive Lodge No, 17, May 31,1929.
Brother Ford, Rev. Andrew, Mt. Olive Lodge No. 17, Dec. 30, 1928.
Brother Heart, Henry J., St. Johns Lodge No. 35, Sept. 22, 1928.
Brother Heath, John W., Doric Lodge No. 30, May 12, 1929.
Brother Harris, Spencer C., Union Lodge No. 1, July 8, 1928.
Brother Milligan, W. H., Mt. Olive Lodge No. 17, Aug. 7, 1928.
Brother Pearson, George, Cedar Valley Lodge No. 44, Oct. 28, 1928.
Brother Renix, John L., Perfect Ashler Lodge No. 34, July 20, 1928.
Brother Robinson, Wm., Mt. Olive Lodge No. 17, Aug. 2, 1928.
Brother Sweet, Edgar, St. Johns Lodge No. '05, March 7, 1929.
Brother Toler, Wm., Cedar Grove Lodge No. 18, Jan. 26, 1929.
Brother Washington, Meliken, St. Johns Lodge No. 35, April 11, 1929.
1930--18
Brother Bell, Wm., Perfect Ashler Lodge No., 34, Dec. 1, 1929.
Brother Biggs, Louis, Western Star Lodge No. 36, May 18, 1930.
Brother Conway, Chas. Mt. Olive Lodge No. 17, Dec. 26, 1929.
Brother Dixon, Wm. H., Union Lodge No. 1, March 5, 1910.
Brother Frazier, Henry, Hiram Lodge No. 19, March 5, 1900.
Brother Gabriel, George, Golden Star Lodge No. 4, May 20, 1930
Brother Green, John, Cedar Grove No. 18, Aug. 4, 1929.
Brother Herndon, Wm., Tuscan Lodge No. 42, June 30, 1930.
Brother Jackson Jr., John, Doric Lodge No. 30, June 18, 1930.
Brother Johnson, Edw., Cedar Grove Lodge No. 18, Oct. 5, 1929.
Brother Johnson, Sampson, Cedar Grove Lodge No. 18, July 11, 1929.
Brother Kennard, Jas. A., Twin City Lodge No. 32, March 30, 1930.
Brother McGuire, Jas. H., Doric Lodge No. 30, April 30, 1930.
Brother Moore, Bennie, Cedar Valley Lodge No. 44, Sept. 16, 1929.
Brother Norris, Rev. J. Wilber, Decatur Lodge No. 14, Oct. 21, 1929.
Brother Tucker, R. C., North Star Lodge No. 2, Jan. 13, 1930.
Brother Williams, John D., Doric Lodge No. 30, June 7, 1930.
Brother Vaughn, Earl, Mt. Olive Lodge No. 17, July 4, 1929.
1931--20
Brother Bates, Samuel, North Star Lodge No. 2, Dec. 5, 1910.
Brother Collier, Hicks, St. Johns Lodge No. 35, Nov. 8, 1930.
Brother Elerby, Joseph, Decatur Lodge No. 14, May 17, 1931.
348
Brother Higgins, Angus, North Star Lodge No. 2, Aug. 31, 19.10.
Brother Johnson, William, North Star Lodge No. 2, July 10, 1930.
Brother Johnson, C. A., Eureka Lodge No. 20, Jan. 5, 1911.
Brother Jones, Henry, Cedar Grove Lodge No. 18, April 19, 1931.
Brother Kilbert, William, North Star Lodge No. 2, Feb. 8, 1931.
Brother Manly, R. B., Keystone Lodge No. 33, Oct. 28, 1900.
Brother Marshall, Nathaniel, Doric Lodge No. 30, June 11, 1931.
Brother Mosley, Luke, Cedar Grove Lodge No. 18, Dec. 5, 1930.
Brother Parker, William, North No. 2, Jan. 12, 1931.
Brother Reeler, John D., Perfect Ashler Lodge No, 34 April 7, 1931.
Brother Taylor, Louis, Decatur Lodge No. 14, May 25, 1931.
Brother Tracy, John, North Star Lodge No. 2, Jan. 5, 1931.
Brother Thompson, J. L., North Star Lodge No. 2, July 22, 1930.
Brother Welker, Frank A., Rough Ashler Lodge No. 41., Nov. 23, 1930.
Brother Wilkinson, William, North Star Lodge No. 2, Nov. 10, 1930.
Brother Wright, C. F., Eureka Lodge No. 20, Aug. 13, 1930,
Brother Wright, Henry, North Star Lodge No. 2, May 30, 1931.
1932--16
Brother Allen, Henry, Hiram Lodge No. 18, Dec. 16, 1931.
Brother Bernard, George, Eureka Lodge No. 20, Oct. 31, 1931.
Brother Bush, Frank, Maple Grove Lodge No. 16, April 18, 1932.
Brother Byrd, James, Union Lodge No. 1, Dec. 1, 1931.
Brother Bynums, A. H., Hiram Lodge No. 19, May 11, 1932.
Brother Culberson, J. T., McNeil Lodge No. 21, March 21, 1932.
Brother Cook, A. L., Union Lodge No. 1, April 27, 1932.
Brother Cox, Charles, Doric Lodge No. 30, July 30, 1931.
Brother Franklin, I. H., Mount Olive Lodge No. 17, May 10, 1932,
Brother Foster, Wm. M., Hiram Lodge No. 19, Dec. 9, 1931.
Brother Hubbard, B. F., Dubuque Lodge No, 29, Nov. 18, 1931.
Brother Johnson, Robert, Maple Grove Lodge No. 16, Feb. 21, 1932.
Brother Madison, Win. M., St. Johns Lodge No. 35, May 10, 1932.
Brother McGregor, C. C., Dubuque Lodge No. 29, May 5, 1932.
Brother Riley, Levi, Doric Lodge No. 30, Dec. 16, 1931.
Brother Wright, Herbert R., Doric Lodge No. 30, Dec. 27, 1931.
1933--20
Brother Bolling, F. C., Cedar Grove Lodge No. 19, Jan. 14, 1933.
Brother Cowan, R. T., Decatur Lodge No. 14, May 29, 1933.
Brother Evans, Perry, Perfect Ashler Lodge No. 04, Feb. 26, 1933.
Brother Flippings, Dive, Sumner Lodge No. 3, June 23, 1932.
Brother Gibson, John, Perfect Ashler Lodge No. 34, Sept. 25, 1932.
Brother Hill, Colonel, Doric Lodge No. 30, Nov. 23, 1932.
Brother Hill, Frank, Western Star Lodge No. 36, Aug. 18, 1932.
Brother Johnson, D. S., Hiram Lodge No. 19, Jan. 10, 1932.
349
Brother Jones, Joe, Keystone Lodge No. 35, July 22, 1932.
Brother Lewis, B. T., Cedar Grove Lodge No. 18, June 23, 1932.
Brother McClain, J. H., North Star Lodge No. 2, Feb. 20, 1933.
Brother McGinnis, Chas., Union Lodge No. 1, Nov., 29, 1932.
Brother Richardson, Frank, St. Johns Lodge No. 35, Nov. 21, 1933.
Brother Steward, John, Maple Lodge No. 16, Dec. 13, 1932.
Brother Shores, J. H., Decatur Lodge No. 14, Jan. 2, 1933.
Brother Smith, George E., St. Johns Lodge No. 35, Dec. 2, 1932.
Brother Smith, Henry, Pearl City Lodge No. 39, Oct. 21, 1932.
Brother Watkins, Chas. B., Decatur Lodge No. 14, Sept. 10, 1932.
Brother Woodard, Hampton, Union Lodge No. 1, Feb. 6, 1933.
Brother Williams, W. W., McNeil Lodge No. 21, May 21, 1933.
1934--19
Brother Allen, George, Mt. Olive Lodge No. 17, Dec. 17, 193
Brother Anderson, Alexander, Mt. Olive Lodge No. 17, May 6, 1934.
Brother Alexander, Chas., Tuscan Lodge No. 42, May 26, 1933.
Brother Barchett, Henry, Golden Star Lodge No, 4, Dec. 15, 1935.
Brother Randy, Clarence, Tuscan Lodge No. 42, May 18, 1934.
Brother Carey, Robert, Mt. Olive Lodge No. 17, May 19, 1934.
Brother Groff, Chas., Mt. Olive Lodge No. 17, Oct. 16, 1933.
Brother Harris, Robert, Doric Lodge No. 30, Oct. 31, 1933.
Brother Holmes, J. T., Doric Lodge No. 30, June 2, 1934.
Brother Johnson, Richard, Keystone Lodge No. 33, June 5, 1933.
Brother Nelasco, J. E., Mt. Olive Lodge No. 17, July 11, 1933.
Brother Nolan, Samuel, Eureka Lodge No. 20, Jan. 12, 1934.
Brother Pearl, Shelton, Twin City Lodge No. 12, April 2, 1934.
Brother Pratt, L. B., Golden Star Lodge No. 4, Oct. 26, 1933.
Brother Topson, Chas. F., Doric Lodge No. 30, Dec. 15, 1933.
Brother Thomas, R., Golden Star Lodge No. 4, Feb. 6, 1934.
Brother Weatherall, James, Mt. Olive Lodge No. 17, Oct. 25, 1933.
Brother Wilson, Jacob, Cedar Grove Lodge No. 18, Feb. 13, 1934.
Brother Woodson, Geo. H., Eureka Lodge No. 20, July 8, 1933.
1935--17
Brother Booth, Austin, St. Johns Lodge No. 35, July 16, 1934.
Brother Buttram, Henry, Doric Lodge No. 30, Sept, 13, 1934,
Brother Davis, Sam, Twin City Lodge No. 32, Jan. 4, 1935.
Brother Davis, Chas., Union Lodge No. 1, May 16, 1935.
Brother Harrison, Richard, Cedar Valley Lodge No. 44, March 23,
1935.
Brother Johnson, Matthew B., Union Lodge No. 1, March 3, 1935.
Brother Jones, A. R., Golden Star Lodge No. 4, Feb. 21, 1935.
Brother Lewis, Leonard, Tuscan Lodge No. 42, Dec. 25, 1934.
Brother Logan, George, North Star Lodge No. 2, Jan. 29, 1935.
350
Brother Lowery, Alfred, Perfect Ashler Lodge No. 34, May 1, 1935.
Brother Martin, Frank, St. John's Lodge No. 35, Sept. 5, 1934.
Brother McDowell, N. B., Cedar Grove Lodge No. 18, Oct. 26, 1934
Brother Reed, Geo. F., Mt. Olive Lodge No. 17, Aug. 10, 1934.
Brother Smith, Rufus, North Star Lodge, No. 2, Feb. 14, 1935.
Brother Tomlin, Wm,, North Star Lodge No. 2, Aug. 20, 1934.
Brother Williams, Henry G., McNeil Lodge No. 21, Jan. 22, 1935.
Brother Wilson, Tug, W., Doric Lodge No, 30, Oct. 26, 1934.
1936--9
Brother Bates, T. M., Corinthian Lodge No. 43, April 30, 1936.
Brother Bradshaw, E., Golden Star Lodge No. 4, June 15, 1936.
Brother Howard, Ed., Perfect Ashler Lodge No. 34, April 22, 1936.
Brother Newmon, George, Doric Lodge No. 30, July 15, 1935.
Brother Sims, Henry, Perfect Ashler Lodge No. '04, Sept. 21, 1935.
Brother Smith, H. B., Hiram Lodge No. 19, Oct. 31, 1935.
Brother Stewart, Abner, Twin City Lodge No. 32, March 16, 1936.
Brother Woodley, Ed., Golden Star Lodge No. 4, Feb. 25, 1936,
Brother Wheeler, Calvin, Eureka Lodge No. 20, April 11, 1936.
1937--10
Brother Cain, Arthur, Doric Lodge No. 30, May 1, 1937.
Brother Lloyd, James, Maple Grove Lodge No. 16, Oct. 10, 1936.
Brother Moore, Samuel, Cedar Grove Lodge No. 18, March 25, 1937.
Brother McCracken, W. D., St. Johns Lodge No. 35, April 1, 1937.
Brother Rogers, A. J., Doric Lodge No. 30, March 10, 1937.
Brother Page, Jerry, Perfect Ashler Lodge No. 34, Feb. 2, 1937.
Brother Smith, J. W., Doric Lodge No. 30, Jan. 5, 1937.
Brother Taylor, E. M., St. John's Lodge No. 35, June 7, 1937.
Brother Turner, Wm., Hiram Lodge No. 19, Jan. 2, 1937.
1938--19
Brother Rhodes, John W., North Star Lodge No. 2.
Brother Robinson, Geo. R., Mt. Olive Lodge No. 17.
Brother Gould, Harrison Jr., North Star Lodge No. 2.
Brother Dunn, Earl, Cedar Valley Lodge No. 44.
Brother Sullivan, S. S., Cedar Valley Lodge No. 44.
Brother Smith, Harry, Perfect Ashler Lodge No. 34.
Brother Lowery, Luther, Cedar Valley Lodge No. 17.
Brother Taylor, Geo., Cedar Valley Lodge No. 18.
Brother Crawford, W. D., Cedar Valley Lodge No. 18.
Brother Dorsey, Chas., Mt. Olive Lodge No. 17.
Brother Wells, J. C., Dubuque Lodge No. 29.
Brother Hackley, Franes, Decatur Lodge No. 14.
351
Brother Jones, W. J., St. John's Lodge No. 35.

Brother Sims, Rev. J. P., Hiram Lodge No. 19.
Brother Banks, Chas. A., Mt. Olive Lodge No. 17.
Brother Gomer, Philip, Mt. Olive Lodge No. 17.
Brother Walker, Albert, Eureka Lodge No. 20.
Brother Ruff, Chas S., North Star Lodge No. 2.
Brother Martin, Jeff, Cedar Valley Lodge No. 44.
1939---17
Brother London, J. W., North Star Lodge No. 2, Aug. 21, 1938.
Brother Jones, Ed E., Golden Star Lodge No. 4, Aug. 27, 1938.
Brother Brooks, Joe, Doric Lodge No. 30, Sept. 9, 1938.
Brother Dawson, Fred, Union Lodge No. 1, July 5, 1938.
Brother Jones, Wm. T., North Star Lodge No. 2, Aug. 20, 1938.
Brother Allen, Harry, North Star Lodge No. 2, Dec. 2, 1938.
Brother Lee, Jas. Samuel, Tuscan Lodge No. 42, Dec. 30, 1938.
Brother Crayton, Hayes R., Pearl City Lodge No. 39, Feb. 4, 1939.
Brother Lyons, W. C., Twin City Lodge No, 32, Feb. 20, 1939.
Brother Rhodes, W. C., Doric Lodge No. 30, Feb. 16, 1939.
Brother Miller, Walter, Hiram Lodge No. 19, Feb. 20, 1939.
Brother Gordon, Wm. Cedar Grove Lodge No. 18, Feb, 27, 1939.
Brother McClellen, J. C., Golden Star No. 4, March 14, 1939.
Brother Smith, Wm., North Star Lodge No. 2, Feb. 21, 1939.
Brother Davis, Walter, Perfect Ashler Lodge No, 34, May 5, 1939
Brother Todd, Lee, Tuscan Lodge No. 42, May 8, 1939.
Brother Pughs, Tom, St. John's Lodge No. 35, March 8, 1939.
1940--9
A. G. Clark, P. G. M. (4), Evan Davis (35), 0. J. Williams (34). Dr. J.
Alvin Jefferson (30), Geo. H. Edmunds (30), John Wilkinson (2), Lewis
Hunter (2), John Dairne (1), and John H. Williams. (1).
We find no death list for 1941, but during this year we lost Past
Grand Master 1. L. Brown (20), September 8th, 1940.
1942--8
J. A. Jordan (35, Benford Crawford ( 15), John Merion (1), 0, E.
Bailey (1), Wm. Lyons (2), J. W. Meerton (17), Rev. Henry McCraven
(30,), and Rev. B. F. Moses (43),
(We find no death list for 1943)
1944--13
W. H. Herndon (32, Lowell Chas. Bush (30), W. J. Shepherd (30),
Peyton Reeves (2), Sylvester Beatty (2), Henry Moore (3), Howard
Lindsley (3), Louis Nelson (3), Luke Raglin (20).
352
1945--14
Geo. Ashby (17), Wm. Carr Smith (1), W. W. Gross (1) P. G. M.,
Spencer Elliston (3), F. Goggins (30), Sylvester Southers (30), N. L.
Black (39), Ed Brown (20), John Davis (19), R. H. Brown (34), Davis
How (32), and Clayborn Gould (2).
1946--12
Geo. Langford (32) Sept. 30, 1945; Thos. Wingfield (17) Nov. 12, 1945;
Walter Williams (39) Sept. 8, 1945; Beverly Warricks (19) Jan. 13, 1946;
Luke Magee (35) Dec. 19, 1945; Edw. Barnes (19) March 19, 1946; Edw.
Weeks (2) May 3, 1946; Sam'l A. Walker (30,) March 16, 1946; Robt.
Franklin (4) May 19, 1946; Alex Copeland (2) May 18, 1946; Clarence K.
Davis (2) July 24,1945; J. W. Porter (21) Sept. 30, 1945.
353
GRAND LODGE MEMBERSHIP 1866-1945

A table showing the number of lodges and the membership in
good standing as reported at the annual session of the four
different Grand Lodges that held jurisdiction in Iowa:
GRAND LODGE OF MISSOURI
1866 2 19 1876 6 86
1867 2 28 1877 6 91
1868 2 30 1878 10 125
1869 2 32 1879 10 160
1870 2 34 1880 12 213
1871 49 1881 11 175
1872 3 49 1882 8 174
1873 3 52 1883 7 133
1874 4 47 1884 8 196
1875 63
AFRICAN GRAND LODGE
1881 5 102 1885 12 250

1882 7 10,6 1886 12 243
1883 7 146 1887 110 220
1884 10 210
HIRAM GRAND LODGE
1884 8 196 1886 7 175

1885 7 190 1887 7 165
Upon the organization of Hiram Grand Lodge on August 26, 1884,

Missouri relinquished all claims of Masonic jurisdiction over Lodges
in the State of Iowa.
M. W. UNITED GRAND LODGE
1887 20 385 1917 18 630

1888 19 392 1918 21 718
1889 16 316 1919 21 787
1890 16 367 1920 20 851
1891 16 292 1921 21 1013
1892 15 294 1922 23 1050
1893 17 302 1923 23 1046
1894 15 292 1924 23 1035
354
1895 12 No Report 1925 24 1031

1896 12 229 1926 24 1016
1897 13 223 1927 24 1006
1898 12 210 1928 24 954
1899 15 257 1929 24 804
1900 14 292 1930 24 804
1901 15 323 1931 24 758
1902 14 360 1932 23 600
1903 17 460 1931 21 579
1904 19 415 1934 21 585
1905 19 438 1935 21 542
1906 20 476 1936 21 505
1907 20 464 1937 27 511
1909 15 393 1938 No Record
1909 14 390 1939 No Record
1910 14 399 1940 No Record
1911 15 461 1940 No Record
1912 15 464 1941 No Record
1913 15 473 1942 No Record
1914 16 510 1943 No Record
1915 18 572 1944 No Record
1916 19 605 1945 14 459
355

A. G. Clark - Clark's History of Prince Hall Masonry PDF

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A. G. Clark - Clark's History of Prince Hall Masonry PDF

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CLARK'S HISTORY

A. G. CLARK, JR., LL.B.; P. G. M.

Introduction to Second Printing 1

INTRODUCTION TO THE SECOND PRINTING

One day in August, 2008, I was approached by Bro. Tim Anderson,

Very Fraternally Yours,

The Most Worshipful United Grand Lodge of Iowa (Prince Hall

session in Missouri from 1865 down to 1884 and in each session of

From time to time since the organization of the M. W. United

Pursuant to a former resolution, the Grand Master

Committee: J. H. Shepard, Chairman: H. K. Hillon, H. D.

This committee answered present" at roll call in 1907, but no

"Masonic History. To the end that Iowa and her

This recommendation was discussed in an informal way on the

How, When and Where Freemasonry was

The observations and the historical facts given in this chapter

the very temple of Masonry and sought by specious pleas and

Slinger, Thomas Sanderson, Prince Taylor, Cato Spear, Boston Smith,

and stead), to the Royal Grand Master and the Grand

TO ALL AND EVERY.

Constitutions; and further, that you do from time to time

Although this Warrant was granted in 1784 it was not received by

Received 28th of February, 1787, of Captain James Scott,

On the 29th of April, 1787, Captain Scott delivered the Warrant to

The Boston, Massachusetts, Sentinel, under date of May 2, 1787,

African Lodge, Boston, May 2, 1787.

The arrival of the Warrant very naturally caused much rejoicing by

Messrs. Draper and Folsom:

A most dignified reply and withal carrying with it a subtle rebuke.

It will be observed that there are certain requirements made in the

London, August 20, 1792.

Extract from a letter of the Grand Secretary of England to the Grand

As you are already aware, the Warrant for the African

November 25, 1789, 2, 2s 11d.

In the year 1797 Prince Hall, upon a petition from thirteen

My opinion is that the Negroes can make as good a show

Albert Pike, Sovereign Grand Commander, A. and A. Scottish Rite,

My Dear Friend and BrotherI can see as plainly as you,

This testimony is especially valuable, coming from a man who

nition of Negro lodges, who declares that he would leave Masonry

Your committee, Lucius V. Bierce, Enoch T. Carson,

Grand Master Griswold, of Minnesota, in an annual address to his

After a somewhat careful investigation of this matter, I

Carl Wiebe Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Hamburg, in a

I believe it is unwise and unjust to dispute the legal

Commenting on this the M. W. Brother Upton, one of the bravest,

The first lodge to which Prince Hall granted a warrant or license"

Hall, an Englishman, and his mother, whose Christian name we have

About the year 1774 a remarkable Christian awakening swept

the Christian ministry. His first charge was at Cambridge, Mass.,

True freedom is to share,

On one occasion a member of his lodge and other free colored

To the Honorable Council and House of Representatives for

whatsoever. But they are unjustly dragged by the cruel hand

Notwithstanding Prince Hall was of English birth and parentage

The Grand Lodge of Missouri, Her Antecedents, and

It is well here to correct a statement found in Grimshaw's History

The three Lodges that formed the Hiram Grand Lodge of

These were all located at St. Louis.

and extending the new organization. How far he succeeded in this

To All Whom It May Concern:

WHEREAS, A petition, bearing date June 1st, A. D. 1866, was

erection in the usual form, for holding a Grand Lodge in the