The first mention of the Freemasons comes from a poem written over 600 years ago. The first Grand Lodge was established in Europe in 1599. Iowa’s first was recorded in 1840, and after 27 years, Unity Lodge #212 would start in Woodburn. Who know they'd still be going 150 years laters?
10 a.m. Saturday, April 22, the Iowa Grand Lodge is making the trip to Woodburn to rededicate the lodge there in celebration of the group’s sesquicentennial. The public is invited to attend.
“We’re just a small lodge, 22 or 23 members — guys from Woodburn or with Woodburn ties,” said former secretary Dennis Lothry. “We manage to get out a couple scholarships just about every year.”
The lodge also puts out a newsletter called “Trestle Board,” in which Masons share news and sometimes stories.
“I’ve been told time and time again it’s a folksy publication,” said Lothry.
The regular stories he shares, "Life and Times of a Farm Boy in Town,” have generated enough interest to prompt Lothry to write a book. The group’s newsletter already has more subscribers than the lodge has members. Issues are sent out to 17 states and four different countries. Coming up on their 150th anniversary, the Masons are looking for ways to get their membership numbers to grow.
““Up until about a year ago, you had to be recruited. They’ve opened it up now so you can ask to join,” said Donnie White, Master.
For all their history and mystery, Masons are known best for adhering to a moral code with the purpose of making themselves better men. The Masons of Woodburn's Unity Lodge #212 meet 7:30 p.m. every third Thursday of the month. Those interested can contact White at (641) 414-1679.