Chapter History
Prepared by "Dad" Miles Flamme-Wiese
Iowa DeMolay Chapters by Year
Chapters in Iowa
Chapter locations are listed alphabetically
Adel
Adel Chapter was active from 1944 to 1948 and it was sponsored by Adel Lodge #80 A.F. & A.M. [1].
Albia
Two chapters have resided in Albia and both chapters were sponsored by Astor Lodge #505 A.F. & A.M. [1].
Two chapters have resided in Albia and both chapters were sponsored by Astor Lodge #505 A.F. & A.M. [1].
The first chapter was Isaac S. Jones Chapter which was active from 1922 to 1956. Isaac Shelby Jones was an Iowa pioneer, 1st Iowa Cavalry soldier in the Civil War, and a prominent local mason for over 60 years that passed away in 1920 [1, 2, 3].
The second chapter was S. Burl Coon Chapter which was active from 1970 to 1975. During his life, Sidney Burl Coon was a Worshipful Master and member of Astor Lodge #505, a member and High Priest of the Royal Arch Masons, a member and Worthy Patron of Albia Chapter #240 Order of the Eastern Star, a member of the White Shrine, and Dad of Isaac S. Jones DeMolay Chapter who passed away in 1953 [1, 4, 5].
Algona
Prudence Chapter was active from 1922 to 1999 and was sponsored by Prudence Lodge #205 A.F. & A.M. [1, 6].
Altoona
Altoona Chapter was instituted in 1967 and is currently active. The chapter is sponsored by King David Lodge #407 A.F. & A.M. [1].
Ames
Two chapters have resided in Ames.
The first chapter was Ames Chapter and it was active from 1923 to 1968 and was sponsored by Joshua Chapter #127 Royal Arch Masons with assistance from Arcadia Lodge #249 A.F. & A.M., Gebal Council #5 Royal and Select Masters, and Ascension Commandery #69 Knights Templar [1, 7].
The second chapter was Cyclone Chapter and it was active from 2003 to 2015 and was sponsored by Arcadia Lodge #249 A.F. & A.M. [1]. The chapter’s name is likely derived from the nickname of the athletic teams for Iowa State University, which is also located in Ames.
Ankeny
Ankeny Chapter was active from 1978 to 1989 and was sponsored by Logic Lodge #636 A.F. & A.M. [1].
Atlantic
Two chapters have resided in Atlantic and both were named Atlantic Chapter. The first Atlantic Chapter was active from 1921 to 1957 and the second Atlantic Chapter was active from 1966 to 1969. Both chapters were sponsored by Pymosa Lodge #271 A.F. & A.M. [1, 8, 9].
Audubon
Two chapters have resided in Audubon.
The first chapter was Audubon Chapter and it was active from 1921 to 1930 and was sponsored by Amity Chapter #93 Royal Arch Masons [1].
The second chapter was Unity Chapter and it was active from 1932 to 1950 and was sponsored by Veritas Lodge #392 A.F. & A.M. [1, 10].
Bedford
Bedford Chapter was active from 1923 to 1950 and was sponsored by Taylor Lodge #156 A.F. & A.M. [1, 11].
Belle Plaine
Belle Plaine Chapter was active from 1923 to 1939 and was sponsored by Hope Lodge #175 A.F. & A.M. with additional support from Mt. Horeb Chapter #45 Royal Arch Masons and St. Bernard Commandry #14 Knights Templar [1, 12].
Bettendorf
Three chapters have resided in Bettendorf and all were named Bettendorf Chapter. The first Bettendorf Chapter was active from 1959 to 1972, the second Bettendorf Chapter was active from 1975 to 1984, and the third Bettendorf Chapter was active from 1989 to 1998. All three chapters were sponsored by Hamilton Lodge #664 A.F. & A.M. [1].
Bloomfield
Lorenz Chapter was active from 1924 to 1932 and was sponsored by Bloomfield Chapter #25 Royal Arch Masons. The chapter is named in honor of Sol A. Lorenz who was a prominent local mason, member of the International Order of Odd Fellows, furniture and undertaker business owner, and president of the local commercial club that passed away in 1923 [1, 13, 14, 15, 16].
Boone
Champlin Chapter was active at various periods from 1921 to 2015. The chapter was originally sponsored by Tuscan Chapter #31 Royal Arch Masons, but later sponsorship transitioned to Mt. Olive Lodge #79 A.F. & A.M. Champlin Chapter is named in honor of prominent local Mason, Frank Champlin who was a railroad pioneer, Chief Conductor of the National Order of Railroad Conductors, and president of the City Bank of Boone and after his death on June 20, 1905 provided the local Masonic community with $17,600 in bank stock (roughly $450,000 in today's money) to construct a new Masonic Temple in his memory [1, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21].
Brooklyn
Brooklyn Chapter was active from 1922 to 1930 and was sponsored by Hyssop Chapter #50 Royal Arch Masons [1].
Burlington
James A. Guest Chapter was active from 1921 to 2015 and was sponsored by St. Omer Commandry #15 Knights Templar. James Alex Guest was a prominent local businessman and Mason who passed away in 1906. He served in the Civil War with Company C of the 160th New York Infantry reaching the rank of First Sergeant and was also a founding member of the Iowa National Guard, where he reached the rank of Brigadier-General for the 1st Brigade. In addition, he served as Right Eminent Grand Commander of the Grand Commandry of Knights Templar in Iowa from 1890 to 1891 [1, 22, 23, 24, 25].
Cantril
Cantril Chapter was sponsored by Apollo Lodge #461 A.F. & A.M. [1].
Carroll
Hugh de Payen Chapter was active from 1922 to 1982 and was sponsored by Signet Lodge #264 A.F. & A.M. The chapter was likely named in honor of Hugues de Payens, who was a co-founder of the Knights Templar and their first Grand Master [1, 26, 27].
Cedar Falls
Two chapters have resided in Cedar Falls. The first chapter was Cedar Falls Chapter and it was active from 1921 to 1946. The second chapter was Black Hawk Chapter and it was active from 1962 to 2015. Both chapters were sponsored by Black Hawk Lodge #65 A.F. & A.M. [1, 28, 29].
Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids Chapter was instituted in 1920 and is currently active. This chapter was the first DeMolay chapter in the state of Iowa as well as the tenth chapter in the history of DeMolay International. The chapter is sponsored by Iowa Consistory #2 Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite [1].
Centerville
Two chapters have resided in Centerville and both chapters were named Centerville Chapter. The first Centerville Chapter was active from 1922 to 1957 and was sponsored by St. John’s Commandery #21 Knights Templar. The second Centerville Chapter was active from 1964 to 1969 and was sponsored by Jackson Lodge #42 A.F. & A.M. [1, 30, 31, 32].
Chariton
George G. Fancher Chapter was active from 1923 to 1933 and was sponsored by Chariton Chapter #22 Royal Arch Masons. George G. Fancher was a local lawyer and prominent Mason that was a member and Worshipful Master of Chariton Lodge #63 A.F. & A.M, a member and High Priest of Chariton Chapter #22 Royal Arch Masons, a member and Commander of Immanuel Commandery #50 Knights Templar, a Noble of Shrine, a member of the Knights of Pythias, and a member of the Ben-Hur Order that passed away from complications of appendicitis in 1911 [1, 33, 34, 35, 36].
Charles City
Two chapters have resided in Charles City. The first chapter was Charles City Chapter and it was active from 1921 to 1957. The second chapter was St. Charles Chapter and it was active from 1965 to 1969. Both chapters were sponsored by St. Charles Lodge #141 A.F. & A.M. [1].
Cherokee
Payton Chapter was active from 1924 to 1972 and was sponsored by Speculative Lodge #307 A.F. & A.M. The chapter was named in honor of James Payton who was a prominent local mason and past postmaster of Cherokee that passed away in 1923 [1, 37, 38, 39, 40].
Clarinda
St. de Garph Chapter was active from 1922 to 1991 and was originally sponsored by Clarinda Chapter #29 Royal Arch Masons, but sponsorship later transitioned to Nodaway Lodge #140 A.F & A.M. [1, 41, 42, 43].
Clarion
Two chapters have resided in Clarion and both were named Clarion Chapter [1].
The first Clarion Chapter was active from 1921 to 1929 and was sponsored by Mt. Lebanon Commandery #61 Knights Templar [1, 44, 45, 46].
The second Clarion Chapter was active from 1970 to 1972 and was sponsored by Cyrene Lodge #325 A.F. & A.M. [1, 47].
Clear Lake
Clear Lake Chapter was active from 1922 to 1959 and was sponsored by Verity Lodge #250 A.F. & A.M. [1, 48].
Clinton
Clinton Chapter was active from 1920 to 1994 and was sponsored by DeMolay Consistory #1 Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite [1, 49, 50].
Columbus Junction
Columbus Chapter was active from 1922 to 1926 and was sponsored by Composite Chapter #91 Royal Arch Masons [1, 51, 52].
Corning
Fidelity Chapter was active from 1924 to 1930 and was sponsored by Eureka Chapter #77 Royal Arch Masons with additional support from Instruction Lodge #275 A.F. & A.M. [1, 53, 54]. The chapter is likely named in honor of the DeMolay precept of fidelity.
Corydon
Wayne County Chapter was active from 1924 to 1958 and was sponsored by Corydon Lodge #91 A.F. & A.M. [1, 55].
Council Bluffs
Two chapters have resided in Council Bluffs and both were named Council Bluffs Chapter.
The first Council Bluffs Chapter was active from 1922 to 1992 and was sponsored by Bluff City Lodge #71 A.F. & A.M. and Cobia Lodge #259 A.F. & A.M. [1].
The second Council Bluff Chapter was active from 2006 to 2013 and was sponsored by Bluff City Lodge #71 A.F. & A.M. and Cobia Lodge #259 A.F. & A.M. [1].
Creston
Two chapters have resided in Creston.
The first chapter was Creston Chapter and it was active from 1922 to 1954 and sponsored by Crest City Lodge #522 A.F. & A.M. [1, 56, 57].
The second chapter was Creston Blue Grass Chapter and it was active from 1969 to 1982 and sponsored by Crest City Lodge #522 A.F. & A.M. with additional support from the Blue Grass Shrine Club [1, 58].
Davenport
Two chapters have resided in Davenport.
The first chapter was Davenport Chapter and it was active from 1921 to 1989. Davenport Chapter was sponsored by Zarephath Consistory #4 Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite [1, 59].
The second chapter is Scott County Chapter and was instituted in 2004 and is currently active. The chapter is sponsored by Kaaba Shrine of Shriners International [1].
Decorah
Oneota Chapter was active from 1935 to 1946 and was sponsored by Great Lights Lodge #181 A.F. & A.M. [1, 60]. The chapter is likely named in honor of the Oneota Native Americans that were prominent in the area.
Denison
Gaufrid de Charney Chapter was active from 1923 to 1972 and was sponsored by Sylvan Lodge #507 A.F. & A.M. [1, 61, 62, 63]. The chapter was likely named in honor of Gaufrid de Charney, sometimes referred to as Guy of Auvernge, who was the Preceptor of Normandy for the Knights Templar when Jacques DeMolay was Grand Master and was also burned at the stake with the Grand Master.
Des Moines
Four chapters have resided in Des Moines.
Acanthas Chapter was active from 1982 to 1983 and was sponsored by Acanthus Lodge #632 A.F. & A.M. [1].
Alverson Chapter was active 1921 to 1991 and was sponsored by Des Moines Consistory #3 Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. The chapter was named in honor of Henry Clark Alverson, a Civil War veteran from the 40th Infantry Regiment of the Wisconsin Volunteers and executive in the insurance industry, who was a member of many masonic groups including all York Rite and Scottish Rite groups in the late 1800’s. He served as the first Master of Kadosh (leader of the Scottish Rite Valley) for Des Moines Consistory #3 Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite from 1892 to 1895 and was elected as an active member of the Supreme Council for the Scottish Rite in 1907. At the time of his passing in 1921 he was Sovereign Grand Inspector in Iowa [1, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68].
East Des Moines Chapter was active from 1948 to 1986 and was sponsored by East Gate Lodge #630 A.F. & A.M. [1, 69].
Southgate Fellowship Chapter was active from 1988 to 2015 and was sponsored by South Gate Lodge #657 A.M. & A.F. [1].
Donnellson
William Paisley Chapter was active from 1951 to 1957 and was sponsored by George Washington Lodge #618 A.F. & A.M. The chapter was named in honor of William Paisley who was a farmer, two term state legislator in the Iowa House of Representatives, president of the People’s Mutual Insurance Association of Donnellson, board member and director of the Lee County Fair Association, and a prominent local mason that was a member and Worshipful Master of George Washington Lodge #618 A.F. & A.M, a charter member and Worshipful Master of Belmont Lodge #541 A.F. & A.M. of Hillsboro, a member of Henry Chapter #8 Royal Arch Masons in Mount Pleasant, a member of Artaban Chapter #483 Order of the Eastern Star, a member of Zarephath Consistory #4 Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Davenport, and a member of Kaaba Shrine Ancient Arabic Order of the Mystic Noble Shrine of Davenport that passed away in 1951 [1, 70, 71, 72].
Dubuque
Allen Chapter was active from 1921 to 2015 and was sponsored by Dubuque Lodge #3 A.F. & A.M., Metropolitan Lodge #49 A.F & A.M., and Mosaic Lodge #125 A.F. & A.M. The chapter is named in honor of William P. Allen who was a local pharmacist and was a founding member of Metropolitan Lodge #49 A.F. & A.M., a Past High Priest of Dubuque Lodge #3 Royal Arch Masons, a Past Commander of Siloam Commandery #3 Knights Templar, a member of Harmony Chapter and Halcyon Encampment International Order of Odd Fellows, and was Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Iowa from 1886 to 1887, that passed away on March 22, 1898 [1, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80].
Eagle Grove
Eagle Grove Chapter was active from 1921 to 1932 and was sponsored by Medina Council #26 Royal and Select Masters [1, 81].
Emmetsburg
Emmetsburg Chapter was active from 1922 to 1953 and was sponsored by Holy Grail Commandery #70 Knights Templar [1, 82].
Estherville
Two chapters have resided in Estherville.
The first chapter was Estherville Chapter and it was active from 1922 to 1924.
Estherville Chapter and was renamed Charles E. Keeler Chapter in 1924.
Charles E. Keeler Chapter was active from 1924 to 1950.
Both chapters were sponsored by Esdraelon Commandery #52 Knights Templar with additional support from North Star Lodge #447 A.F. & A.M.
Charles E. Keeler Chapter was named in honor of Charles E. Keeler Junior who was the first Master Councilor of Estherville Chapter that unexpectedly passed away from a ruptured appendix in 1924.
Also, the first State Master Councilor of Iowa DeMolay, William M. Bales, was from Estherville Chapter [1, 83, 84, 85, 86].
Fairfield
Three chapters have resided in Fairfield and all three chapters were sponsored by Clinton Lodge #15 A.F. & A.M.
The first chapter was Dunlavey Chapter and it was active from 1921 to 1957.
The second chapter was also called Dunlavey Chapter and it was active from 1964 to 1969.
The third chapter was called Fairfield Chapter and it was active from 1971 to 1975.
The Dunlavey Chapters were named in honor of John M. Dunlavey who was a prominent local Mason that passed away in 1921 [1, 87, 88, 89, 90].
Fayette
Orion Chapter was active from 1925 to 1930 and was sponsored by Pleiades Lodge #248 A.F. & A.M. [1, 91, 92]. The chapter name is likely in reference to Greek mythology and the stories involving Orion and the Pleiades or that the Orion and Pleiades constellations can be used to locate each other in the night sky.
Fort Dodge
Two chapters have resided in Fort Dodge and both chapters were sponsored by Ashlar Lodge #111 A.F. & A.M.
The first chapter was Fort Dodge Chapter and it was active from 1920 to 1921. Fort Dodge Chapter was the first chapter in Iowa to receive Letters Temporary from the International Supreme Council [1].
The second chapter was Dolliver Chapter and it was active from 1922 to 1991. Dolliver Chapter was named in honor of Jonathan Prentiss Dolliver who was a lawyer, six-time representative in the United States House of Representatives, two-time senator in the United States Senate, and prominent local mason that was a member of Ashlar Lodge #111 A.F. & A.M., a member of Delta Chapter #51 Royal Arch Masons, and a member of Calvary Commandery #24 Knights Templar who passed away unexpectedly in 1910 [1, 93, 94, 95].
Fort Madison
Two chapters have resided in Fort Madison and both were named Fort Madison Chapter.
The first Fort Madison Chapter was active from 1922 to 1955 and was sponsored by Delta Commandery #51 Knights Templar and Potowonok Chapter #28 Royal Arch Masons.
The second Fort Madison Chapter was active from 1975 to 1986 and was sponsored by Claypoole Lodge #13 A.F. & A.M. and Stella Lodge #440 A.F. & A.M. [1, 96, 97, 98, 99].
Garner
Bethel Chapter was active from 1957 to 1959 and was sponsored by Bethel Lodge #319 A.F. & A.M. [1, 100, 101].
Grand Junction
Junction Chapter was active from 1955 to 1980 and was sponsored by Junction Lodge #357 A.F. & A.M. [1, 102].
Grinnell
Three chapters have resided in Grinnell.
The first chapter was Grinnell Chapter and it was active from 1923 to 1961 [1, 103].
The second chapter was Sharp Lannom III Chapter and it active from 1962 to 1975. Both chapters were sponsored by Herman Lodge #273 A.F. & A.M. Sharp Lannom III Chapter was named in honor of George Sharp Lannom III who was the owner of the Grinnell Shoe Company, the Grinnell Glove Company, and the Craftmore Glove Company in Lynchburg, Tennessee, a member of the Grinnell Kiwanis Club, a member of the Elks Lodge, chairman of the Poweshiek County Republican Central Committee, and prominent local Mason that was a member of Herman Lodge #273 A.F. & A.M., a member of Beulah Chapter #47 Order of the Eastern Star, a member of Zarephath Consistory #4 Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Davenport, a member of El Kahir Shrine Ancient Arabic Order of the Mystic Noble Shrine of Cedar Rapids, and a past member and advisor of Grinnell Chapter Order of DeMolay that unexpectedly passed away in 1961 [1, 104, 105].
The third chapter was Central Iowa Chapter and it was active from 2006 to 2013 and was sponsored by Herman Lodge #273 A.F. & A.M. [1].
Grundy Center
Grundy Chapter was active from 1922 to 1930 and was sponsored by Ionic Center Chapter #100 Royal Arch Masons [1, 106, 107].
Hampton
Two chapters have resided in Hampton and both were named Anchor Chapter. The first Anchor Chapter was active from 1922 to 1934. The second Anchor Chapter was active from 1957 to 1960. Both chapters were sponsored by Anchor Lodge #171 A.F. & A.M. [1, 108, 109].
Harlan
Harlan Chapter was active from 1921 to 1964 and was sponsored by Parian Lodge #321 A.F. & A.M. [1, 110].
Holstein
Bush Edgar Chapter was active from 1929 to 1936 and was sponsored by Alpine Lodge #471 A.F. & A.M. [1, 111].
Humboldt
Gotch Chapter was active from 1949 to 1973 and was sponsored by Eastern Star Lodge #195 A.F. & A.M. The chapter was named in honor of Frank Alvin Gotch who was a farmer, automobile dealer, and prominent local mason of Eastern Star Lodge #195 A.F. & A.M. that is best known for his heavyweight wrestling career. He was Iowa Heavyweight Champion and United States Heavyweight Champion in the early to mid 1900’s. In 1908, Frank Gotch defeated George "the Russian Lion" Hackenschmidt in Chicago to become the World Heavyweight Champion. Gotch remained the World Heavyweight Champion until he retired in 1915 and during that time frame he remained undefeated. Frank Gotch passed away in 1917 from a kidney ailment and at the time of his death he was famous around the world for his strength and skill and to this day is considered one of the greatest wrestlers of all time [1, 112, 113, 114, 115].
Ida Grove
Two chapters have resided in Ida Grove.
The first chapter was Cyprus Chapter and it was active from 1924 to 1928.
The second chapter was Ida Grove Chapter and it was active from 1944 to 1952.
Both chapters were sponsored by Kane Lodge #377 A.F. & A.M. [1, 116, 117, 118, 119].
Indianola
Two chapters have resided in Indianola.
The first chapter was J. M. Graham Chapter and it was active from 1926 to 1930. J. M. Graham Chapter was sponsored by Orient Chapter #95 Royal Arch Masons. The chapter was named in honor of John Monroe Graham who was a local businessman and prominent mason that was a member and Past Master of Pioneer Lodge #22 A.F. & A.M. of Des Moines, a member of Corinthian Chapter #14 Royal Arch Masons of Des Moines, a member of Alpha Council #1 Royal and Select Masters of Des Moines, a member of Temple Commandery #4 Knights Templar of Des Moines, a member of Warren Lodge #53 A.F. & A.M., and served as Grand Senior Warden of the Iowa Grand Lodge from 1922 to 1923 [1, 120, 121].
The second chapter was Three Rivers Chapter and it was active from 1979 to 1981. Three Rivers Chapter was sponsored by Warren Lodge #53 A.F. & A.M. and the chapter was likely named due to a nickname given to the pioneers of Warren County due to the location of three different rivers in the county [1, 122].
Iowa City
There have been two chapters in Iowa City.
The first chapter was Iowa City Chapter and it was active from 1921 to 1984 was sponsored by Palestine Commandery #2 Knights Templar [1, 123].
The second chapter was Hawkeye Chapter was active from 1996 to 2015 and was sponsored by Iowa City Lodge #4 A.F. & A.M. [1]. The chapter’s name is likely derived from the nickname of the athletic teams for the University of Iowa, which is also located in Iowa City.
Iowa Falls
Iowa Falls Chapter was active from 1921 to 1930 and was sponsored by Mason’s Home Lodge #192 A.F. & A.M. [1, 124].
Jefferson
Lafayette Chapter was active from 1924 to 1968 and was sponsored by Morning Star Lodge #159 A.F. & A.M. with additional support from Corner Stone Chapter #64 Royal Arch Masons and Emmaus Commandery #35 Knights Templar. The chapter was likely named in honor of Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier Lafayette, better known as the Marquis de Lafayette, who was a French aristocrat and vital ally in the American Revolution. The Marquis de Lafayette visited Thomas Jefferson, the namesake of the city of Jefferson, at Monticello in 1824 to celebrate their friendship and efforts in the American Revolution. The chapter was instituted on the 100-year anniversary of that celebration [1, 125, 126, 127, 128].
Keokuk
Three chapters have resided in Keokuk.
The first two chapters were both were named Keokuk Chapter.
The first Keokuk Chapter was active from 1921 to 1980 and the second Keokuk Chapter was active from 1993 to 1998 [1, 129, 130, 131].
The second Keokuk Chapter was renamed Michael H. Barnes Chapter in 1998.
Michael H. Barnes Chapter was active from 1998 to 2015. The chapter is named in honor of Michael Harold Barnes who was a member of the chapter that served as State Chaplain and was named Iowa DeMolay of the Year in 1997. He passed away suddenly in September 1997 at the age of 16 due to a car accident [1, 132, 133].
Each of the chapters was sponsored by the Keokuk Shrine Club [1].
Keota
Keota Chapter was active from 1923 to 1930 and was sponsored by Aldelphia Lodge #355 A.F. & A.M. [1, 134].
Knoxville
Two chapters have resided in Knoxville.
The first chapter was Melita Chapter and it was active from 1923 to 1926 and was sponsored by Melita Commandery #64 Knights Templar [1].
The second chapter was Knoxville Chapter and it was active from 1927 to 1930 and was sponsored by Oriental Lodge #61 A.F. & A.M. [1].
Lake City
L. F. Danfort Chapter was active from 1926 to 1930 and was sponsored by Zerubbabel Lodge #240 A.F. & A.M. The chapter was named in honor Lorriston Frank Danforth who was a Civil War veteran of Company E, 4th Vermont Infantry, pioneer of Lake City, school teacher, business owner, First National Bank board member and director, city assessor, city council member, Representative in the Iowa House of Representatives from 1882 to 1892, and prominent local mason that was a charter member of Zerubbabel Lodge #240 A.F. & A.M., a member of Cyprus Chapter #99 Royal Arch Masons, a member of Rose Croix Commandery #38 Knights Templar of Sac City, a member of Za-Ga-Zig Shrine Ancient Arabic Order of the Mystic Noble Shrine in Des Moines, and a 32ÌŠ member of Des Moines Consistory #3 Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, that passed away in 1923 [1, 135, 136, 137].
Laurens
Laurens Chapter was active from 1955 to 1968 and was sponsored by Grace Lodge #519 A.F. & A.M. [1, 138, 139].
Le Claire
Cody Chapter was active from 1971 to 1979 and was sponsored by Snow Lodge #44 A.F. & A.M. The chapter was likely named in honor of William Frederick “Buffalo Bill” Cody who was born in Le Claire in 1846 [1, 140, 141].
Le Mars
Wilmerton Chapter was active from 1927 to 1930 and was sponsored by Occidental Chapter #114 Royal Arch Masons. The chapter was named in honor of Frank Wilmerton who was a prominent local businessman and mason that donated $5,000 to Giblem Lodge #322 A.F. & A.M. for construction of a new lodge building when he passed away in 1922 [1, 142, 143, 144].
Leon
Leon Chapter was active from 1922 to 1943 and was sponsored by Grand River Lodge #78 A.F. & A.M. [1].
Logan
Harrison Chapter was active from 1924 to 1930 and was sponsored by Chrysolite Lodge #420 A.F. & A.M. [1]. The chapter is likely named in honor of its location in Logan, the county seat of Harrison County.
Malvern
Nishna Valley Chapter was active from 1962 to 1972 and was sponsored by the Nisha Valley DeMolay Booster Club [1, 145].
Manchester
Delaware Chapter was active from 1923 to 1931 and was sponsored by Olive Branch Chapter #48 Royal Arch Masons [1, 146]. The chapter name was likely due to its location in Manchester, the county seat of Delaware County.
Manilla
Manilla Chapter was active from 1998 to 2003 and was sponsored by Golden Leaf Lodge #595 A.F. & A.M. [1].
Mapleton
Maple Valley Chapter was active from 1926 to 1952 and was sponsored by Quarry Lodge #404 A.F. & A.M. [1, 147, 148]. The chapter name was likely a reference to the area the city occupies near the Maple River.
Maquoketa
Two chapters have resided in Maquoketa and both were named Maquoketa Chapter. The first Maquoketa Chapter was active from 1924 to 1931 and the second Maquoketa Chapter was active from 1966 to 1968. Both chapters were sponsored by Helion Lodge #36 A.F. & A.M. [1].
Marengo
Marengo Chapter was active from 1921 to 1926 and was sponsored by Jerusalem Chapter #72 Royal Arch Masons [1].
Marion
Linn Chapter was active from 1924 to 1989 and was sponsored by Marion Chapter #10 Royal Arch Masons [1,149, 150]. The chapter was likely named due to its location in Linn County.
Marshalltown
Two chapters have resided in Marshalltown.
The first chapter was Hugh de Payen Chapter and it was active from 1922 to 1934. Hugh de Payen chapter was sponsored by Marshall Lodge #108 A.F. & A.M with additional support from Signet Chapter #38 Royal Arch Masons, King Solomon Council #20 Royal and Select Masters, and St. Aldeman Commandery #30 Knights Templar. The chapter was likely named in honor of Hugues de Payens, who was a co-founder of the Knights Templar and their first Grand Master [1, 27].
The second chapter was G. V. Fiscus Chapter and it was active from 1951 to 1984. G. V. Fiscus Chapter was sponsored by Marshall Lodge #108 A.F. & A.M. The chapter was named in honor of Garett V. Fiscus who served as Grand Master of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Iowa from 1964 to 1965 [1, 151, 152].
Mason City
Three chapters have resided in Mason City.
The first chapter was Benevolence Chapter and it was active from 1923 to 1934 and was sponsored by Benevolence Lodge #145 A.F. & A.M. with additional support from Benevolence Chapter #46 Royal Arch Masons [1].
The second chapter was Mason City Chapter and it was active from 1954 to 1984. Mason City Chapter was sponsored by Harding Lodge #649 A.F. & A.M. with additional support from Benevolence Lodge #145 A.F. & A.M. [1, 153].
The third chapter was Corona Borealis Chapter and it was active from 2009 to 2015 and was sponsored by Harding Lodge #649 A.F. & A.M. with additional support from Benevolence Lodge #145 A.F. & A.M. [1]. The Corona Borealis chapter name likely represents a constellation that is also known as the Northern Crown, which in this case, represents Mason City’s central and northern location in Iowa.
Missouri Valley
The Richard C. Hills Chapter was active from 1940 to 1954 and was sponsored by Triune Chapter #81 Royal Arch Masons. The chapter was named in honor of Richard C. Hills who was a prominent local mason who was a member and Worshipful Master of Valley Lodge #232 A.F. & A.M. in 1912 and 1913 that passed away in 1940 [1, 154, 155, 156].
Monticello
George Washington Chapter was active from 1929 to 1977 and was sponsored by Burns Lodge #173 A.F. & A.M. The chapter was named in honor of George Washington to commemorate the 197th anniversary of his birth [1, 157, 158, 159].
Mount Ayr
Mount Ayr Chapter was active from 1927 to 1930 and was sponsored by Faith Lodge #179 A.F. & A.M. [1, 160].
Mount Pleasant
St. Amon Chapter was active from 1921 to 1938 and was sponsored by Jerusalem Commandery #7 Knights Templar [1, 161].
Muscatine
G. A. Riemcke Chapter was active from 1922 to 1999 and was sponsored by DeMolay Commandery #1 Knights Templar. The chapter was named in honor of George August Riemcke who was a drug store owner and prominent local mason that was a member and Worshipful Master of Iowa Lodge #2 A.F. & A.M. a member and Worshipful Master of Hawkeye Lodge #30 A.F. & A.M., a charter member of Triune Lodge #641 A.F. & A.M., a member and High Priest of Washington Chapter #4 Royal Arch Masons, a member and Illustrious Master of Webb Council #18 Royal and Select Masters, a member and Commander of DeMolay Commandery #1 Knights Templar, a member and Worthy Patron of Electa Chapter #32 Order of the Eastern Star, a 33ÌŠ member of Zarephath Consistory #4 Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite in Davenport, a member of Kaaba Shrine Ancient Arabic Order of the Mystic Noble Shrine in Davenport, district lecturer of the Grand Lodge of Iowa, member of the Order of High Priesthood, Grand Master of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Iowa from 1912 to 1913, and Right Eminent Grand Commander of Grand Commandery Knights Templar of Iowa from 1920 to 1921, that passed away in 1930 [1, 25, 152, 162, 163].
Nevada
Two chapters have resided in Nevada and both chapters were sponsored by Nevada Lodge #99 A.F. & A.M. [1].
The first chapter was Story County Chapter and it was active from 1977 to 1989 [1, 164, 165, 166]. The chapter was likely named for its location in Nevada, the county seat, of Story County.
The second chapter was Nevada Chapter and it was active from 1993 to 1997 [1].
New Hampton
New Hampton Chapter was active from 1922 to 1931 and was sponsored by Eudora Commandery #53 Knights Templar and Adelphia Chapter #113 Royal Arch Masons [1, 167].
Newton
Two chapters have resided in Newton and both were named St. John Chapter. The first St. John Chapter was active from 1923 to 1934. The second St. John Chapter was active 1967 to 1973. Both chapters were sponsored by Newton Lodge #59 A.F. & A.M. [1]. The chapters were most likely named to honor St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist and their connection to Freemasonry.
North English
North English Chapter was active from 1920 to 1926 and was sponsored by Triumph Lodge #479 A.F. & A.M. [1].
Northwood
Northwood Chapter was active from 1962 to 1971 and was sponsored by Northern Light Lodge #266 A.F. & A.M. [1, 168].
Odebolt
Odebolt Chapter was active from 1947 to 1952 and was sponsored by Wheeler Lodge #398 A.F. & A.M. [1, 169, 170].
Oelwein
Oelwein Chapter was active from 1955 to 1984 and was sponsored by Hebron Lodge #374 A.F. & A.M. [1, 171, 172].
Onawa
Sunnyside Chapter was active from 1928 to 1982 and was sponsored by Vesper Lodge #223 A.F. & A.M. [1, 173, 174].
Osage
Sage Chapter was active from 1937 to 1942 and was sponsored by Osage Lodge #102 A.F. & A.M. [1].
Osceola
Alleluia Chapter was active from 1923 to 1964 and was sponsored by Pentalpha Chapter #63 Royal Arch Masons [1, 175, 176].
Oskaloosa
Oskaloosa Chapter was active from 1921 to 1934 and was sponsored by DePayens Commandery #6 Knights Templar [1, 177].
Ottumwa
James E. Wilson Chapter was active from 1921 to 1999 and was sponsored by Ottumwa Lodge #16 A.F. & A.M. The chapter is named in honor of James E. Wilson who was a local businessman and prominent local mason that was a member and three-time Worshipful Master of Ottumwa Lodge #16 A.F. & A.M., a member of Clinton Chapter #9 Royal Arch Masons, a member of Ottumwa Council #12 Royal and Select Masters, and a member of Malta Commandery #31 Knights Templar. When James E. Wilson passed away in 1905 he bequeathed his entire estate, which was valued at $15,000 (roughly $400,000 today) to Ottumwa Lodge #16 A.F. & A.M. for establishing a charitable fund [1, 178, 179, 180].
Perry
A. D. Haskins Chapter was active from 1921 to 1954 and was sponsored by Otley Lodge #299 A.F. & A.M. The chapter is named in honor of Alexander David Haskins who was a Civil War veteran and Captain of Company K of the 3rd Regiment of the Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, a pioneer of Perry, successful businessman, Justice of the Peace, and prominent local mason that was an early member and five-time Worshipful Master of Otley Lodge #299 A.F. & A.M. who passed away unexpectedly in an automobile accident in 1921 [1, 181, 182, 183].
Pocahontas
Theodore Roosevelt Chapter was active from 1927 to 1934 and was sponsored by Mishna Lodge #565 A.F. & A.M. The chapter was named in honor of President and Mason Theodore Roosevelt [1, 184].
Red Oak
Red Oak Chapter was active from 1921 to 1977 and was sponsored by Red Oak Lodge #162 A.F. & A.M. [1, 185].
Redfield
Wiscotta Chapter was active from 1946 to 1969 and was sponsored by Wiscotta Lodge #158 A.F. & A.M. [1, 186].
Rockford
Rockford Chapter was active from 1921 to 1928 and was sponsored by Mt. Zion Chapter #106 Royal Arch Masons [1, 187].
Sac City
Lafayette Chapter was active from 1923 to 1930 and was sponsored by Occidental Lodge #178 A.F. & A.M. [1, 188].
Sheldon
Hutchinson Chapter was active from 1923 to 1931 and was sponsored by Mistletoe Lodge #376 A.F. & A.M. The chapter is likely named in honor of William Hutchinson who was a lawyer, district court judge, and prominent local Mason that was a member of Lafayette Lodge #52 A.F. & A.M. of Montezuma, a member of Hyssop Chapter #50 Royal Arch Masons of Malcolm, a member of Columbian Commandery #18 Knights Templar of Sioux City, a member of DeMolay Consistory #1 of Clinton, a member of Abu Bekr Shrine Ancient Arabic Order of the Mystic Noble Shrine of Sioux City, a member and Worshipful Master of Floyd Lodge #537 A.F. & A.M. of Orange City, and served as the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Iowa from 1912 to 1913 that passed away in 1925 [1, 80, 189, 190, 191].
Shenandoah
De Peraundo Chapter was active from 1922 to 1957 and was sponsored by Tri-Centum Lodge #300 A.F. & A.M. [1, 192].
Sibley
R. M. Hunter Chapter was active from 1923 to 1930 and was sponsored by Bezaleel Chapter #102 Royal Arch Masons. The chapter is likely named in honor of Rollin Madison Hunter who was a teacher, a lawyer, a county attorney, and prominent local mason that was a member and two-time Worshipful Master of Lake Lodge #390 A.F. & A.M. of Wall Lake, a member of Darius Chapter #58 Royal Arch Masons of Sac City, a member of Rose Croix Commandery #38 Knights Templar of Sac City, a member of Theodore S. Parvin Consistory #5 Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Sioux City, a member of Broken Column Lodge #331 A.F. & A.M. of Sibley, and served as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Iowa from 1907 to 1908, that passed away in 1912 [1, 80, 193].
Sioux City
Four chapters have resided in Sioux City.
The first chapter was Sioux City Chapter and it was active from 1922 to 1951 and was sponsored by Sioux City Consistory #5 Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Landmark Lodge #103 A.F. & A.M., and Tyrian Lodge #508 A.F. & A.M. [1, 194, 195].
Sioux City Chapter was renamed Jamison Chapter in 1951 and Jamison Chapter was active from 1951 to 1987. The chapter was named in honor of Jesse Jamison who was a railroad dispatcher and prominent local mason who was a member and Worshipful Master of Landmark Lodge #103 A.F. & A.M., a member and High Priest of Sioux City Chapter #28 Royal Arch Masons, a member and Worthy Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star, an advisor for the local Rainbow for Girls Assembly, and an advisor for Sioux City Chapter that passed away unexpected in 1950 [196, 197, 198].
The third chapter was Morningside Chapter and it was active from 1946 to 1984. Morningside Chapter was sponsored by Morningside Lodge #615 A.F. & A.M. [1, 199].
The fourth chapter was Lewis and Clark Chapter and it was active from 2010 to 2015 and was sponsored by Lewis and Clark York Rite College #199 [1].
Spencer
Spencer Chapter was active from 1922 to 1950.
In 1951 the chapter was renamed A. H. Avery Chapter and it was active from 1951 to 1979.
A. H. Avery Chapter was named in honor of Amplias Hale Avery who was a teacher, high school principal, district superintendent, insurance salesman, founder and board member of the Spencer Public Library, mayor of Spencer in 1926 and 1927, President of the Iowa League of Municipalities in 1926 and 1927, Representative in the Iowa House of Representative from 1931 to 1936 and 1939 to 1950, and prominent local Mason that was a member and Worshipful Master of Woonsocket Lodge #33 A.F. & A.M. of Woonsocket, South Dakota, a member of Evening Shade Lodge #312 A.F. & A.M., a member and High Priest of Clay Chapter #112 Royal Arch Masons, a member and Illustrious Master of Temple Council #37 Royal and Select Masters, a member and Commander of Asotus Commandery #65 Knights Templar, a 32ÌŠ member of Sioux City Consistory #5 Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, and a founding advisor of Spencer Chapter that passed away in 1950.
Both chapters were sponsored by Evening Shade Lodge #312 A.F. & A.M. and Asotus Commandery #65 Knight Templar [1, 200, 201].
Spirit Lake
Haggai Chapter was active from 1922 to 1972 and was sponsored by Twilight Lodge #329 A.F. & A.M. [1, 202, 203]. The chapter is likely named in recognition of the Hebrew prophet Haggai and his connection to the Royal Arch Masons.
Storm Lake
Buena Vista Chapter was active from 1922 to 1984 and was sponsored by Rabbi Chapter #103 Royal Arch Masons [1, 204, 205]. The chapter was likely named in recognition of its location in Storm Lake, the county seat of Buena Vista county.
Tama
Tama Chapter was active from 1922 to 1930 and was sponsored by Mt. Horeb Chapter #45 Royal Arch Masons [1, 206].
Traer
Traer Chapter was active from 1921 to 1930 and was sponsored by Hesperia Lodge #340 A.F. & A.M. [1, 207].
Vinton
Vinton Chapter was active from 1956 to 1973 and was sponsored by Vinton Lodge #62 A.F. & A.M. [1, 208, 209].
Washington
Two chapters have resided in Washington.
The first chapter was Amos Chapter and it was active from 1921 to 1961 and was sponsored by Cyrus Chapter #13 Royal Arch Masons. The chapter was named in honor of Amos Norris Alberson who was a building contractor, grocery store owner, four time mayor of Washington, Representative in the Iowa House of Representatives in 1898, Senator in the Iowa Senate in 1900, and prominent local mason that was a member of Washington Lodge #26 A.F. & A.M. that served as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Iowa from 1921 to 1922, a member of Cyrus Chapter #13 Royal Arch Masons that served as Grand High Priest of the Royal Arch Masons of Iowa from 1894 to 1895, a member of Zeredatha Council #21 Royal and Select Masters that served as Grand Master of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Iowa from 1905 to 1906, a member of the Order of High Priesthood, a member of Bethlehem Commandery #45 Knights Templar that served as Right Eminent Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery Knights Templar of Iowa from 1909 to 1910, a member Washington Chapter #98 Order of the Eastern Star, a member of Kaaba Shrine Ancient Arabic Order of the Mystic Noble Shrine of Davenport, a member of Zarephath Consistory #4 Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Davenport, and a member of St. Bartholomew Conclave of the Red Cross of Constantine of Des Moines that passed away in 1931 [1, 210, 211, 212].
The second chapter was Washington Chapter and it was active from 1971 to 1980. Washington Chapter was sponsored by Washington Lodge #26 A.F. & A.M. [1, 213, 214].
Waterloo
Two chapters have resided in Waterloo and both chapters were named Waterloo Chapter.
The first Waterloo Chapter was active from 1921 to 1942 and was originally sponsored by Ascalon Commandery #25 Knights Templar, but sponsorship was transitioned to Martin Lodge #624 A.F. & A.M. in 1937 [1, 215, 216].
The second Waterloo Chapter was active from 1951 to 1980 and was sponsored by Ascalon Commandery #25 Knights Templar [1, 217].
Waverly
Waverly Chapter was active from 1998 to 2003 and was sponsored by Tyrrell Lodge #116 A.F. & A.M. [1].
Webster City
Webster City Chapter was active from 1922 to 1951 and was originally sponsored by Acacia Lodge #176 A.F. & A.M., but sponsorship was transitioned to Triune Commandery #41 Knights Templar in 1937. The chapter received additional support from Hope Chapter #88 Royal Arch Masons [1, 218, 219, 220, 221].
West Des Moines
Two chapters have resided in West Des Moines and both chapters were sponsored by Ashworth Gnemeth Lodge #577 A.F. & A.M. [1].
The first chapter was Madoc Chapter and it was active from 1927 to 1957 [1, 222, 223].
The second chapter was Ashworth Chapter and it was active from 1965 to 1998. The chapter was likely named in honor of brothers James T. Ashworth and Charles H. Ashworth who were pioneers, cattle farmers, and business owners that donated land for the construction of the Masonic Temple when James passed away in 1924 [1, 224, 225].
Winfield
George Hammon Chapter was active from 1926 to 1929 and was sponsored by Good Faith Lodge #235 A.F. & A.M. The chapter was likely named after George Hammond who was a prominent local mason that served as a charter member of Good Faith Lodge #235 and served as its first Worshipful Master in 1869 [1, 226, 227, 228].
Winterset
Lovejoy Chapter was active from 1923 to 1926 and was sponsored by Evening Star Lodge #43 A.F. & A.M. [1].