Masonic Lodges
The photo is of laying the cornerstone for the new Scottish Rite Cathedral in 1907.
Since those early days a century ago when small groups of men formed thecity's first Masonic lodges, membership has increased from the score to thethousands.
Clinton and Lyons lodges alike now have attractive homes in which they holdtheir meetings and social functions.
Lyons Masonic lodges meet in a former bank building on Main avenue while YorkRite Masonic lodges convene in a converted residence at 5th Ave. S. In theearly 1900's the Scottish Rite cathedral was erected at 5th Ave. S. and 1st St.and now is headquarters for DeMolay Consistory and coordinate bodies.
Western Star Began in 1856: Meetings Once Held in Lamb Block
One of City's Early Masonic Leaders: This photo is of Charles Leonard, fatherof the famed Lillian Russell and first editor of The Herald. He was one ofthe early-day Masonic leaders in Clinton. He was one of the organizers andan early worshipful master of Western Star lodge, 100, A. F. and A. M.
Six years before Clinton was even platted, a Masonic lodge had been organizedin Lyons.
On Sept. 3, 1849, a dispensation was granted St. John's lodge 19, with JohnS. Bobe appointed worshipful master.
The charter, however, was surrendered in 1855, and the next year Eureka lodgewas organized, and chartered June 3, 1857, as Lyons lodge 93, A. F. & A. M.W. E. Leffingwell was the first master.
In Clinton, the first lodge was Western Star 100, granted its dispensationDec. 16, 1856. When the lodge was chartered, June 3, 1857, Edward H. Ringwas worshipful master. Emulation lodge 255 was chartered June 2, 1869,with F. Blakely worshipful master; this was three years after Keystone chapter32, Royal Arch Masons, was started in Clinton, with James Van Deventer, highpriest.
Holy Cross Commandery 10, Knights Templar, received its dispensation July 14,1866, and when the commandary was organized Nov. 14, 1867, P. C. Wright waseminent commander. The grand commandery held an annual conclave in Clintonin 1870.
Scottish Rite Masonry had its beginning in Clinton, nine men received degreesfrom the fourth to thirty-second inclusive on May 12, 1869, by communication.
These men were: Charles W. Warner, John S. Hart, Thomas E. Butterfield,Theron R. Beers, Frederick L. Blakely, George W. Parker, Frederick Bourne,Samuel W. Baldwin and William E. Marquis. A month later were formed theIowa lodge of Perfection, Clinton Council, Princes of Jerusalem, DelphicChapter, Rose Croix.
The Scottish Rite bodies established in Lyons were the first in the state ofIowa and all bear the number 1. The Lyons temple was built in 1871, afterAdolph Minski gave $6,000 to purchase the lot. Grand Master O. P. Waltersconducted the cornerstone ceremonies. The building now is occupied by thePaaske shops.
When the Lamb block was completed in 1886, all the Clinton Masonic bodiesmoved into the building. Clinton chapter 65 of the Order of the EasternStar was instituted in 1888; Delta council 23, Royal and Select Masters,received its dispensation in 1904.
Other early Masonic lodges in the county include DeWitt lodge 34, the secondorganized in the county, which was started Dec. 4, 1851, with the dispensationgranted to R. H. Dawson, Sr., worshipful master. This lodge now is theoldest active Masonic lodge in the county. Camanche lodge 60 wasinstituted in 1855, with Lewis Birkhead as its first master. Wheatlandorganized Zeradatha lodge 184 in 1865; Delmar, Monitor lodge 330 in 1873; andLost Nation, Harbor lodge 556 in 1898.
SOURCE: Centennial Edition, Clinton Herald, Clinton Iowa, 18 June 1955
