Annals of the Grand Lodge of Iowa, Part 25

Author: Freemasons. Grand Lodge of Iowa
Publication date: 1876
Publisher: Cedar Rapids, Iowa : Grand Secretary
Number of Pages: 482


USA > Iowa > Annals of the Grand Lodge of Iowa > Part 25


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Comparative Statistics of Grand Lodges in the United States


Year


Lodges


Members


Increase


1944


15,215


2,560,752


83,401


1945


15,199


2,722,285


161,533


1946


15,154


2,903,878


181,593


1947


15,169


3,102,075


198,197


1948


15,205


3,284,068


181,993


1949


15,265


3,427,972


143,904


United States, 1948-1949


Member-Increase or


State


Date


Lodges


ship 58,064


3,527


Arizona.


Dec.


31, 1948


39


8,139


347


Arkansas


Sept.


30, 1948


381


46,823


3,648


California


July


31, 1948


596


183,198


9,281


Colorado


June


30, 1948


148


37,948


1,578


Connecticut.


Dec.


31, 1948


130


42,591


1,359


Delaware


June


24, 1948


22


6,463


316


Dist. of Columbia.


Sept.


30, 1948


48


24,171


760


Florida.


Dec.


27, 1948


226


43,280


3,589


Georgia


Aug.


31, 1948


464


72,773


5,082


Idaho


June


30, 1948


79


12,117


487


Illinois


June


30, 1948


975


231,410


7,184


Indiana


Dec.


31, 1948


538


160,951


5,237


Iowa


Dec.


31, 1948


546


87,563


2,761


Kansas.


Dec.


31, 1948


440


86,600


3,353


Kentucky


July


31, 1948


477


73,890


4,362


Louisiana.


Dec.


31, 1948


252


37,699


2,390


Maine


Mar.


1, 1949


207


43,250


1,168


Maryland


.Oct.


31, 1948


122


38,495


1,653


Massachusetts.


Aug.


31, 1948


329


111,468


3,811


Michigan


Dec.


31, 1948


521


153,261


4,824


Minnesota


Jan.


1, 1949


292


58,854


2,385


-


Alabama


Sept.


15, 1948


417


Decrease*


316


Proceedings of the


[Cedar Rapids


State


Date


Lodges


ship


Member-Increase or Decrease*


Mississippi.


Aug.


31, 1948


306


39,378


1,917


Missouri


June


30, 1948


601


109,167


4,317


Montana


June


30, 1948


135


22,564


792


Nebraska


Dec.


31, 1948


276


40,621


1,298


Nevada


Apr.


15, 1949


26


4,291


196


New Jersey


Jan.


1, 1949


279


89,477


3,441


New Mexico


Dec.


31, 1948


57


10,057


587


New York.


Dec.


31, 1948


1,046


289,231


6,621


North Carolina


Dec.


31, 1948


321


46,054


2,833


North Dakota.


.Dec.


31, 1948


119


13,371


480


Ohio.


July


31, 1948


628


240,891


9,391


Oklahoma


Jan.


1, 1949


383


70,416


3,938


Oregon


Dec.


31, 1948


180


36,715


1,641


Pennsylvania


Dec.


27, 1948


564


217,559


7,212


Rhode Island


.Apr.


11, 1949


44


16,652


562


South Carolina


Dec.


31, 1948


280


39,258


3,036


South Dakota.


Apr.


30, 1949


168


17,956


573


Tennessee


Oct.


31, 1948


374


61,252


3,978


Texas


June


24, 1948


907


182,272


12,803


Utah.


Dec.


31, 1948


27


5,695


217


Vermont


.Apr.


30, 1949


103


18,351


258


Virginia.


Jan.


1, 1949


327


54,042


2,419


Washington


.Dec.


31, 1948


268


59,488


2,239


West Virginia


Aug.


31, 1948


162


38,563


1,570


Wisconsin


Dec.


31, 1948


304


59,987


1,662


Wyoming.


June


30, 1948


50


10,480


398


15,265


3,427,972


143,904


Canada, 1948-1949


Alberta


Apr.


13, 1949


153


14,337


609


British Columbia


Dec.


31, 1948


126


17,600


1,190


Canada


Dec.


31, 1948


574


112,760


3,860


Manitoba


Apr.


18, 1949


106


13,050


524


New Brunswick.


Aug.


26, 1948


46


7,236


91*


Nova Scotia.


Dec.


31, 1948


94


12,471


519


Prince Edward Is


Apr.


30 1949


15


1,240


52


Quebec


June


30, 1948


98


16,213


530


Saskatchewan


Mar.


1, 1949


204


15,928


383


1,416


210,835


7,667


91*


Net Gain


7,567


New Hampshire.


Apr.


1, 1949


81


15,176


423


1949]


Grand Lodge of Iowa


317


APPENDIX B


SKETCHES OF ELECTIVE GRAND OFFICERS AND DEPUTY GRAND MASTER


-


..


318


Proceedings of the


[Cedar Rapids


M. . W. . DON CARPENTER


Grand Master


"A level-headed and much respected Mason in his own community of Council Bluffs," was the description Grand Master John T. Ames applied to Brother Don Carpenter when he appointed him to the newly established Committee on State Hospitals in 1935. Two years later in commenting on the valuable work of the com- mittee, Grand Master Tom B. Throckmorton remarked that it had been a happy thought to have Don Carpenter, a layman, serve on the committee as a check and balance on the medi- cal part."


In the intervening years Brother Carpenter's principal service in the Grand Lodge has been as a faithful member of this committee except for periods when he was honored with other offices or responsibil- ities. In 1940 he was elected Junior Grand Warden, and last year Grand Master J. Guy Swartslander appointed him to the Chairmanship of the Com-


mittee on Division and Reference.


Brother Carpenter's Masonic career began a week following the signing of the Armistice when he was initiated, November 18, 1918, into Excelsior Lodge No. 259 of Council Bluffs. He was 32 years old at that time, having been born July 9, 1886, in Severance, Kansas, where he spent his first ten years. Passed on November 30, he was raised to a Master Mason on December 7. Six years later his lodge honored him by electing him Worshipful Master for 1924. His service to his home lodge includes many years as a trustee and as a member of the Masonic Temple Association.


A diligent student of the Ritual, Brother Carpenter has made a fine contribution to the ritualistic work in Iowa through private in- struction and schools. The Board of Custodians granted him District Lecturer's Certificate No. 444 in November 1927 when he passed the examination for proficiency at the School of Instruction in Whiting.


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Grand Lodge of Iowa


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Exalted in Star Chapter No. 47, R.A.M., in 1928, Brother Carpenter became its High Priest in 1939. In 1929 he was greeted a Select Mas- ter in Joppa Council No. 15, and in 1939 he was knighted in Ivanhoe Commandery No. 17.


Except for his early years in Kansas, Brother Carpenter has been a life-long resident of Council Bluffs. On completing his schooling, he entered the employ of the railroad. In May he completed 30 years of service in the freight accounting department of the Union Pacific at the headquarters in Omaha. His marriage to Miss Myrtle Wood of Council Bluffs on November 11, 1910, was blessed with a daughter, now married. There are four grandchildren. He is a mem- ber of the Board of Trustees of the Presbyterian Church of his home city.


Brother Carpenter's election to the exalted office of Grand Master crowns 30 years of conscientious, faithful, and dependable service in the vineyard of Iowa Masonry.


320


Proceedings of the


[Cedar Rapids


R .. W. . HARRY K. BURMEISTER Deputy Grand Master


Despite his comparative youth, the Deputy Grand Master is not unused to being called on for services as a committee member or Special Representative, five previous Grand Masters having availed themselves of him. At the Centennial Session in 1944 Grand Master Clifford D. Jory appointed him Acting Junior Grand Deacon. Subsequently he has served on the Commit- tees on Military and Naval Masonic Activity, and on Grand Lodge Recognition.


Born in Cedar Rapids on December 5, 1905, Brother Bur- meister was educated in the schools of that city. After taking his Bachelor of Science degree at Coe College in 1926, he began his career as a high school teacher of commerce subjects, his first position be- ing in Mechanicsville. As soon as he had fulfilled the residence requirement, he petitioned Pat- mos Lodge No. 155, was initi- ated April 28, passed May 10, and raised to the Sublime Degree on May 24, 1927.


In 1936 he returned to teach in his home town, having spent the seven previous years in the Perry Public School System. Studying dur- ing summer sessions, he received his Master's degree from the State University in 1938. At present he is Administrative Assistant at Roosevelt High School, Cedar Rapids.


Like other able-bodied men of his generation, Brother Burmeister was called into military service. Inducted into the Army on July 9, 1942, he completed his basic training and attended Army Administra- tion Officer Candidate School, emerging with a commission as second lieutenant in May 1943. Later assigned to duty with the War De- partment Special Staff, he was separated from the Service in Septem- ber 1946 with the rank of captain. He has since retained his com- mission as a reserve officer.


Affiliating with Mt. Hermon Lodge No. 263 in 1931, he began his journey through the chairs when Earl B. Delzell, Master of Mt. Her-


4


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Grand Lodge of Iowa


1949]


mon Lodge in 1937, appointed him Junior Steward. Six years later his brethren elected him Worshipful Master, notwithstanding the fact that he was then in the armed service. He has the distinction of being the only Master ever to be installed in Mt. Hermon Lodge under such circumstances. When he left for the service he was Master of the Second Veil in Trowel Chapter, R.A.M., a guard in Apollo Commandery, K.T., and Worthy Patron of Cedar Chapter, O. E. S.


He is also a member of Palestine Council No. 27, Ambar Grotto, and White Shrine.


That he is marked for leadership is evident in Brother Bur- meister's record. As a DeMolay he served as Master Councilor and was awarded the Legion of Honor, the highest honor to be con- ferred on former members, and the Cross of Honor, conferred on Advisers. Currently he is President of Cedar Rapids Chapter No. 104, National Sojourners, and Commander of Thomas H. Benton Camp, Heroes of '76, as well as Vice-President of the Council of the First Lutheran Church. He also has been International President of Phi Theta Pi, international commerce fraternity.


Industrious, devoted to the Fraternity, affable, and gracious, Brother Burmeister should prove an able Deputy to the Grand Master.


322


Proceedings of the


[Cedar Rapids


R. . W. . HARRY DOWNS


Senior Grand Warden


Our Senior Grand Warden lost no time in petitioning to be initi- ated into the Mysteries of Freemasonry. Coming of age on June 1, 1917, he was initiated in Alpha Lodge No. 326 at Greene on July 10, passed on October 9, and raised November 20. In 1929 he was elected Junior Warden of Alpha Lodge, and the following year he served the first of his four terms as Worshipful Master, the most recent being in 1945. From 1940 to 1945 he was Sec- retary of his lodge.


Brother Downs' devoted in- terest in Masonry has been evidenced in other ways as well. He was first President of the Blue Lodge Circle, a Masonic study group formed in 1931. The same year he passed his Masonic Instructor's examina- tion in Clinton in June. He now holds District Lecturer's Certificate No. 761. In 1940 Grand Master Harry L. Searle appointed him Senior Grand Deacon, and several years he served on the Committee on Visitors at Grand Lodge.


Early in his Masonic career, on November 25, 1919, he was ex- alted in Temple Chapter No. 74, R.A.M., at Clarksville.


Brother Downs' forebearers on both sides were early settlers in Butler County in the locality near Greene where, on his parents' farm, he was born and raised. He continued to live there and farmed for eight years after his marriage to Eugenie Lucas, also of the same locality. In 1923 he moved his family to Greene, where he has since been engaged in an automobile and farm implement business which he owns.


There have been three daughters and one son in the family: Mrs. H. L. Findlay of Santa Barbara, California, Mrs. Fred Van Dyke of Greene, and Harry, Jr., who is just out of high school and still at home. One daughter Lillian passed away in 1924. There are also four grandchildren.


323


Grand Lodge of Iowa


1949]


A healthy interest in church and civic affairs has characterized Brother Downs' life in his home community. He has been a member of the Methodist Church since boyhood, serving on its Official Board and on various committees for many years. He is currently a mem- ber of the Library Board and has served on the School Board. He is past President of the Commercial Club and of the Golf and Country Club.


324


Proceedings of the


[Cedar Rapids


R. . W. . FOSTER G. IDDINGS Junior Grand Warden


For more than a quarter of a century Brother Foster G. Iddings has played an active part in Masonic affairs both in Sioux City and elsewhere in this jurisdiction. His record of officiating at 130 Masonic funerals for Morning- side Lodge and other lodges can probably not be matched by many brethren. He has also held many Schools of Instruc- tion and prepared a number of brethren for the examination for proficiency certificates.


Born October 9, 1880, in Cen- terville, St. Joseph County. Michigan, Brother Iddings was six months old when he came with his parents to Mapleton, Iowa, where he completed his secondary education in 1899. . Receiving his LL.B. from Iowa College of Law, Drake Uni- versity, in 1903, he hung out his shingle in Sioux City on June 20 of that year and has since practiced there. He has also served as Assistant City Attorney and as Municipal


Judge in Sioux City.


His marriage to Eva M. Bain of Sioux City in 1905 ended with her death in January 1941. Three daughters were born to them. Brother Iddings married Mrs. Dora Christensen of Sioux City in August 1947.


Brother Iddings' Masonic career began in December 1917 when he was initiated, passed, and raised in Morningside Lodge No. 615 in Sioux City. Five years later he was appointed Junior Steward, and in 1927 he served as Worshipful Master. He passed the examina- tion for Masonic Instructor in 1929 and was made a District Lecturer in 1932.


Grand Master Earl Peters appointed him Senior Grand Steward in 1941. He has also served on the Committees on Appeals and Grievances and on the Grand Lodge Library.


Made a 32° Mason, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, in 1918,


325


Grand Lodge of Iowa


1949]


he later was Master of Kadosh of Sioux City Consistory No. 5. The K.C.C.H. was conferred on Brother Iddings in October 1931, and the 33° on October 24, 1941. In 1927 he was elected Worthy Grand Patron, O.E.S. He was exalted a Royal Arch Mason in Sioux City Chapter and greeted a Royal and Select Master in Zadok Council in Sioux City.


326


Proceedings of the


[Cedar Rapids


R. . W. . C. DALE COX


Grand Treasurer


In his twenty-first year, Brother Cox petitioned Adelphi Lodge No. 353 at Keota. Initiated on April 19, passed on October 7, he was raised to the Sublime Degree on December 6, 1921. His service during the past 32 years with the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railway as telegraph operator and agent at various points in Iowa has necessitated frequent demits.


The Masonic career of Broth- er Cox has included many op- portunities for service in the various lodges he has been affiliated with. He has held office in all of them except the one in which he was raised, Adelphi Lodge No. 353. In 1929 he served as Master of Industry Lodge No. 260 at Rose Hill. Subsequently he has been a member of Agate Lodge No. 423 at Neola, Hermon Lodge No. 273 at Grinnell, and Token Lodge No. 304 at Stuart, his present affiliation. He resides at Ottumwa.


Awarded District Lecturer's Certificate No. 1470 in 1945, he has been active in the ritualistic side of Masonry. Grand Master Fred H. Nolte appointed him as a member of the Committee on Finance in 1946. After serving three years on this committee, the Craft elected him to the office of Grand Treasurer. He thus becomes a Permanent Member of the Grand Lodge, and a long life of Masonic service will, we hope, be available to the brethren of Iowa.


Born in York, North Dakota, May 12, 1899, Brother Cox removed to Sigourney, Iowa, with his parents when he was seven. Here he received his education in the public schools. In 1918 he married Ethel A. Lister of Rose Hill, Iowa, and to this union four children were born: Charline, now Mrs. Lester Cline of Oskaloosa, Iowa; Dorothy of Denver, Colorado; and Clarice and Rachel who reside at home. A member of the Methodist Church, Brother Cox has been active in various community and civic organizations.


1949]


Grand Lodge of Iowa


327


APPENDIX C


REPORT ON FRATERNAL REVIEW


Fraternal Review Prepared for the Grand Lodge of Iowa, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons


1949


At the One Hundred and Fifth Annual Communication at Cedar Rapids June 14, 15, and 16


ERNEST R. MOORE, P.G.M., FRATERNAL REVIEWER


Fraternal Review


Grand Lodge of Iowa A. F. & A. M. By Ernest R. Moore, P.G.M., Cedar Rapids, Iowa


FOREWORD


In a world-wide search for the path to permanent peace the thought of Masonry is reflective on responsibility, duty, and opportunity. Increasingly in mind is devotion to the principles of the Fraternity and a reliance on God, where cometh our help. There is ever the reminder that, "Whether, therefore, ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." Hope and faith are in the admonition :


"Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed. For I am thy God. I will still give thee aid; I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand Upheld by my gracious omnipotent hand."


Expressed in Masonic thought everywhere is the faith that: Blessed is he who proclaims the doctrine of spiritual brotherhood, for he shall be the child of light; Blessed is he whose heart is tender and compassionate, for he shall throw stones at no one; Blessed is he who will speak evil of no one, for he hath attained to the good pleasure of the Lord; Blessed is he who teaches union and concord, for he will shine like a star in heaven; Blessed is he who com- forts the downtrodden, for he will be the friend of God.


In tolerant reverence we read :


"All roads that lead to God are good; What matters it, your faith or mine; Both center at the goal divine Of love's eternal brotherhood.


"A thousand creeds have come and gone; But what is that to you or me? Creeds are but branches of a tree, The root of love lives on and on.


"Though branch by branch proves withered wood, The root is warm with precious wine; Then keep your faith, and leave me mine ; All roads that lead to God are good."


4


Proceedings of Grand Lodge of Iowa [Cedar Rapids


A finer thought and a keener appreciation of what Ma- sonry is meant to be is reflected in charity, both material and spiritual, and a realization of responsibility for pro- moting the practice of every moral and social virtue.


Among ourselves we may repeat the words of St. Paul:


"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatso- ever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, what- soever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, what- soever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."-Philip- pians 4:8.


5


Appendix-Alabama


1949 ]


ALABAMA (1947)


127th Annual Communication. Montgomery, November 18 and 19, 1947.


With a pleasing and colorful pre-program, the Grand Lodge was opened in all form and dignity. A cordial greeting was accorded to visitors of distinguished rank.


The Most Worshipful Grand Master, Brother Clarence E. Michaels, then read his carefully prepared and comprehensive address. His thought on a difficult year is summed in the following paragraphs:


We are living in a rather confusing and troublesome period. It is a time that tires the souls of men. Nations are attempting to arrive at a basis for permanent peace, however little success has been attained, due to the selfishness of man and hope of self aggrandizement. Many plans and theories have been of- fered and rejected. It is my humble judgment that the true an- swer is in the Book of books, supported and reinforced by the true philosophy of our own beloved Fraternity.


The practice of the golden rule, by men of all nations, together with a sincere reliance upon the God of all mankind, will result in a lasting and abiding peace. May God speed the day.


Simple and appropriate reference was made to their dead. Among his lodges he visited widely and everywhere was welcomed in true Masonic spirit. At long length he dealt with their Masonic Home. He commended the conduct, but with emphasis expressed the opinion that to have the full purpose accomplished some rules on admission should be liberalized and that there should be provided more funds for repairs, improvements, and additions on the physical property. Briefly he dealt with many purely domestic matters, not subject to review. His dispensations were many and routine. On "National Bible Week" he said:


Masons throughout the World accept the Book of books as the rule and guide to their faith. It is our Great Light and should lead our footsteps and our thinking.


October 20th to October 26th, 1947, has been set aside as "National Bible Week." It is the earnest request of your Grand Master that each Lodge in Alabama set aside one meeting within the month of October, preferably the week noted, to re-affirm our faith in the Bible and to render thanks that it is of truth our Great Light.


One ruling may be of general interest: "A Communist is not qualified to be made a Mason." It will be asked who or what is a Com- munist. A consolidated balance sheet evidences financial prosperity, with ample cash reserves.


The address of Right Worshipful G. Dink Halstead, Grand Orator, was masterly. It is too long to quote and too closely woven to


6


Proceedings of Grand Lodge of Iowa [Cedar Rapids


garble. An evidence of the general worth may be found in one quotation:


Christ once said, "The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also." So the servants of the household came and said unto him, "Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? From whence then hath it tares?" He said unto them, "An enemy hath done this." The servants said unto him, "Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?" But he said, "Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow until the harvest."


And from this parable we may draw the lesson today that the pulling of tares from the field of the world will never bring about the abiding peace and good will among men that must be our constant objective; that the program of the tare-puller is an utter failure for it requires a wisdom that none of us possess, it hurts the wheat when the tares are pulled, and then too, if we are eventually successful, the world would be changed into a desert rather than into a garden, into a barren waste rather than into a commonwealth of saints.


The building of peace and the establishment of abundant life anywhere, and everywhere, in the world come from the positive life which nurtures the controls, disciplines, loyalties, sacrifices, patiences, reverences, courage, and honor that are the rugged salt of character-the exemplification of the noble virtues which have always commanded the respect of man.


There are no Fraternal Reviews.


M. . W. . Irving E. Farmer, Grand Master, Fort Payne.


R. . W. . C. H. Stubinger, Grand Secretary, Montgomery.


Next Annual Communication, Montgomery, November 16, 1948.


ALBERTA (1948)


43rd Annual Communication.


Edmonton, June 9 and 10, 1948.


A thin book, tersely compiled but satisfying, complete in every way describe the Annual Proceedings. A portrayal of the strong face of the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Arthur D. Cumming, adorns the opening page. The substance of his life is in the closing paragraph of a biographical sketch:


Arthur Cumming has led a very active life and has worked hard in all his undertakings. Typical of the man, when he found himself likely to become Grand Master he gave up many profitable ventures in which he was engaged in order that he


7


Appendix-Alberta


1949]


could devote his whole time to the business of Freemasonry. He has worked hard and continually in the interests of the Craft. In the doing of it he has spared neither time, money nor him- self. Alberta Freemasonry has profited under his leadership.


The Grand Lodge was opened in reverent dignity. Routine business had first attention. They have the District System and each Deputy Grand Master made a report that fully informed the Grand Lodge on all actions and activities.


Distinguished visitors were received with formal honors. Mr. Harry Ainley, the Mayor of Edmonton, and Brother J. C. Bowen, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, spoke in grace and brevity.


The Grand Master then read his well-compiled, well-written ad- dress. With some suggestions for improvement, he was satisfied with the condition of the Craft. He reported pleasant, and he hoped helpful, visits with many of his lodges. He highly commended the spirit manifest at the District Meetings, and of the Deputies said: "Well done, good and faithful servants." In grace and wisdom he closed with what should have the thought of all:


Masons should be ever on guard to protect their portals from the infiltration of those who are not wholeheartedly loyal to our country. Freemasonry ever seeks to inculcate the doctrine of Universal Brotherhood and it is only by the Universal ac- ceptance of this principle that Peace will once again be restored to a very troubled world.


Masons were first builders of great Cathedrals but have grad- ually changed to builders of Living Temples man being the most noble work of God we must build in him character upon which rests the life of the Nation. Living in a rapidly chang- ing world we must adjust ourselves to cope with different con- ditions and build into the lives of the rulers of tomorrow the realization of their future responsibility.


The Grand Secretary, with much more of importance, reported a membership gain of 671, with a total of 13,728. Accounting in extended detail gave the Craft full information on all finances. Benevolences were generously cared for.




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