Star Lodge #115 in Madrid raised a brother to the sublime
degree of a Master Mason yesterday evening. This small town Lodge has been
quite active the past several years with new brothers joining and more
experienced brothers passing the test for their Masonic Instructor’s
Certificate. (Past Master Brian Ahrens is the most recent member of Star Lodge
to have received this honor). Last night’s Third Degree was well attended with
visitors from five Lodges in attendance including Operative #308 in Polk City
and Mt. Olive #79 in Boone.
Operative Lodge #308 and Star Lodge #115 have an especially
close relationship. Operative Lodge was formed by several brothers from Star
Lodge #115. In 1857, Star Lodge held its first meeting in what was then known
as the town of Swedes Point, now Madrid. In 1871, brothers from Madrid, with
the permission and encouragement of Star Lodge, applied to the Grand Lodge of
Iowa for a charter to begin a Lodge in Polk City. Today, several brothers of
Operative Lodge are also members of Star Lodge, including Operative’s
Worshipful Master and Senior Deacon.
Freemasonry is a brotherhood which draws us closer together
and builds community. We each experience this in different ways, even when we
are engaged in a common goal. The Third Degree is one way to extend the meaning
of this brotherhood simply by participating together as a community of men in a
common work for an uncommon purpose. Star Lodge and Operative Lodge share these
strong bonds of community, work, and purpose and it was an honor to be a part
of this 140 year relationship yesterday evening.
