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Stated Meeting on the 3rd Tuesdays History Of The Property At 3843 6th Ave. And Auburn Lodge
On August 8th, 1952 at the Stated Communication of then “Auburn Lodge #592” it was announced by Brother Ken Fox, Chairman of The Board of Trustee’s” that an offer had been made to buy the “three lots”, which the Lodge owns, on 6th avenue for $4500.00 and a check for $500.00 had been presented with the offer “to make the offer good”. It was apparently then held over until the September Stated. On Sept 12, 1952, the next stated Communication, it was resolved that the Trustee’s be “authorized and directed” to “convey by warranty deed” to E.V. McWilliams the property in question. I believe this to be the first transaction to take place to raise funds for the new Temple. On Feb 13, 1953 at the Stated Communication it was noted by the Worshipful Master, Brother Roy Fletcher, that “there had been much inquiry as to when or if Auburn Lodge was going to consider enlarging it’s quarters” and suggested that “a fact finding committee be appointed to present facts as to the ability of Auburn to finance a program”. After which a “fact finding committee only” consisting of Treasurer Verlyn A Tuers and Secretary, O.T. Skidmore along with Brother James A Gay and Brother Frank Porter was appointed. On March 20, 1953 Lodge a of Master Masons was called for the purpose “of giving consideration to the report of the [Committee appointed to compile figures from the Grand Lodge Reports for the last fourteen years] with reference to the operation of Auburn Lodge”. It was “agreed by all that Auburn Lodge should have enlarged quarters but not being a regular meeting and full membership not advised no definite action could be taken. It was thought by all “that considerable progress was made toward some definite action in the near future”. At the Stated Communication on April 10, 1953 Brother Fred Bernhard, Chairman of the Trustee’s presented the first six tentative plans for the enlargement of Facilities for Auburn Lodge. The Worshipful Master then appointed a committee consisting of Brother’s James A Gay, Chairman, C.J. Robinson,. H.W. Hiscocks, Kenneth Gibson, E.V. Garner, R.W. Hughs, Fred Bernhard, James A. Allen, Floyd Linn, O.J. Bartos, Clarence Duke and Sam McCluskey. They were instructed to report back at the May Stated and a vote would be taken on their report. At this time Auburn owned at least three lots North of the lodge on sixth avenue and the building they were meeting in which was the Kleins Department Store where they met in the upstairs portion of the building. All of the plans being considered at this time were either to remodel their existing lodge area or build on the lots they owned or even to buy additional space (land) which was thought to be available “behind the Bank Building”. On May 8, 1953 it was moved and seconded “that plan the #2 be adopted by Auburn”. The motion carried by a margin of 67 for and twenty opposed. It looked as though Auburn Lodge #592 was going to have a new lodge built behind “the Bank”. However that was not to be. At the Stated Communication on June 12, 1953 it was reported by the Building Committee that “Iowa Loan and savings Co. had returned check offered for option on lot behind their building and adjoining Auburn property with the notation that they did not desire to sell any portion of the lot at this time”. It was then “moved by Brother Bernhard and seconded by Brother M. Spring that committee be continued with same powers and continue to investigate suitable places to build”. The turning point for Auburn’s effort to build a new temple was reported at the September 11, 1953 Stated Communication. The Worshipful Master, brother Roy Fletcher, “requested all members in the club room to enter the Lodge Hall for the purpose of hearing reports of the Trustees and building committee. Brother Fred Bernhard gave a detailed report of an offer by Bernard Klein to buy the present property of Auburn Lodge for the sum of $50,000.00 and presented a check for $5,000.00 to make the offer a bona fide offer.” It was moved by Brother Bernhard and seconded by Brother James Gay that the entire membership of Auburn Lodge be notified and a vote taken at the Regular meeting in October relative to this offer. The motion carried Brother C. Jay Robinson, Chairman of the Building Committee, then “reported that an offer accompanied by a check for $100.00 had been made to Walter Selvy for the lot at 3841 6th Ave and that the board of adjustment had waived the building requirements in new zoning ordinance to such an extant that Auburn Lodge would be able to build a new temple at that address if approved by the lodge.” He also reported “that Maurice Reed, owner of the ice cream stand adjoining this lot would make the required parking space available. He then reported “that the owner of the lot adjoining this lot on the North would be willing to sell to the lodge should the lodge so desire.” “It was moved by Brother Robinson and seconded by Brother Floyd Lowe that the membership of Auburn Lodge be notified of this action and the matter voted on at the regular meeting in October.” The motion prevailed unanimously. A vote of appreciation was extended to the Trustee’s and the building committee for the excellent work done in the above matters. At the Stated Communication of Auburn Lodge on October 9, 1953 it was reported that another person, Mr. Paul F. Nelson, Jr., had made an offer to buy the property for $65,550.00 but after considerable discussion on the matter and because Mr. Nelson had made no specific offer to let Auburn Lodge use its current facilities until they could get their new building completed, the offer was rejected. Brother Fred Bernhard then reported for the Trustees “that Mr. Bernard Klein had made a bid of $65,551.00 (sixty five thousand five hundred fifty one dollars) for the property with the provision that Auburn Lodge would have free use of the lodge Hall until April 1, 1954 and from April 1, until such time as the new lodge hall was finished the use of the lodge hall for $100.00 per month rent.” This offer was accompanied by a certified check for $5000.00 with the provision that the balance would be paid April 1, 1954 on completion of the contract. It was again unanimously moved carried that a standing vote of appreciation be given the Trustees and the building committee. On December 11, 1953 “Brother C. J. Robinson reported for the building committee and explained the prints of the proposed building to be erected by Auburn Lodge and requested that any member present to ask any questions pertaining to same. After discussion it was moved by Brother Jay Robinson and seconded by Brother Ernest Zsembery that the lodge accept the proposed plan.” The motion carried. On January 8, 1954 “C.J. Robinson of the building committee reported that the final plans for the new temple would be in the hands of the committee probably by Friday Jan. 15 and not later than Tuesday Jan. 19 and the committee would then ask for bids and same be submitted to the next regular meeting of Auburn.” It was also reported that the necessary report required by the Trustees of the Grand Lodge was submitted and the Grand Lodge had approved same At the March 12th regular meeting it was moved and seconded that a copy of the history of Auburn Lodge written by Brother Robert W. Hughes covering the period from its beginning in 1905 through 1946 be obtained and placed in the cornerstone of the new Temple. The motion carried. April 9, 1954 Stated Communication Past Master C. Jay Robinson, Chairman of the building Committee, “reported low bids on proposed Temple as follows – Garmer & Stiles General Building $84,462.00, Backman Sheet Metal, Heating-$9147.00, Central Plumbing $3463.00 plumbing, Weston Lighting $6650.00 electrical. Total 103722.00. This being below the $110,000.00 voted the committee contracts have been signed for firms to proceed with the building. Brother Robinson moved that the building committee be authorized to approve expenditures up to $16,000.00 for grading and paving of the lot North of our lodge building and the furnishing of the new building. Motion was seconded by Brother Zsembrey and approved by vote of the lodge. “Brother Roy List reported that a committee had been experimenting on refinishing the pedestal and chairs and that it was found the same could be made to match the Alter.” It was moved by Brother Jim Gay and seconded by Brother Floyd Garrett that Brother Roy List be appointed Chairman of a committee on refinishing the furniture. The Motion carried. It was then moved by Worshipful Brother Roy Fletcher and seconded by Brother Floyd Lowe “that the Trustees of Auburn Lodge and Attorney James P. Irish be authorized to take such legal action and to sign such note and forms as are necessary to obtain a mortgage loan of up to $35,000.00 with interest not to exceed 4 ½ percent, repayable in 15 years, with privilege of repayment at an earlier date.” The motion was approved by vote of the Lodge. At the May 14, 1954 Stated Communication it was reported by Brother C.J. Robinson, Chairman of the Building Committee, “that construction of the new Temple which had been progressing nicely had been interrupted by strike of building trades but that work would resume on Monday May 17. Brother O.J. Bartos, chairman of committee on arrangements, for laying of cornerstone and dedication reported that Grand Lodge would be opened in Auburn Lodge Hall on Saturday May 29th at 2:00 PM for the purpose of the Grand Lodge Officers to preside at the laying of the cornerstone of the Temple at 3843 6th Avenue” May 29, 1954: “The Grand Lodge of Iowa was opened in form on the third for the purpose of laying the Cornerstone of the new Temple being erected by Auburn Lodge #592 at 3843 6th Avenue.” “After opening the Grand Lodge the Line of Procession was arranged by the Grand Secretary and Grand Marshall and the procession headed by Past Master of Auburn Lodge, Brother K.E. Colburn as Flag Bearer proceeded to the site of the new Temple where the ceremonies were in charge of Most Worshipful Brother Charles B. Hayes and his official family. Most Worshipful Brother Hayes was raised in Hartford Lodge #83 on September 29, 1919 and demitted to Auburn Lodge on April 8, 1921 and was a member of Auburn Lodge from that time until January 14, 1927 when he demitted to Herman Lodge #273 where he is still a member.” After many introductions and what I’m sure was a very beautiful laying of the Cornerstone “Brother Rev William A Knight former Chaplain of Auburn Lodge gave the oration after which the benediction was given by the Grand Chaplain Ben Bobbitt, Pastor of Central Christian Church.” The members of the Grand Lodge and numerous Master Masons then returned to Auburn Lodge Hall where the Grand Lodge of Iowa was closed in due form on the third degree peace and harmony prevailing. This was a very important occasion in the history of Auburn Lodge. The minutes of this important ceremony was signed by Worshipful Master Brother A.R. Evans and Secretary Worshipful Brother O.T. Skidmore. At the July 9, 1954 Stated communication “Brother Fred Bernhard reported Trustees had found that a loan from Des Moines Masonic Cemetery Association for $35,000.00 could be secured for 20 years at 4¼ % interest rate, same to be secured by a first mortgage on the new Lodge building the loan to be amortized for a period of 20 years interest and principle payable semi-annually with the privilege of paying all or any part of remaining principle on any interest date after five years.” It was moved and seconded “that trustees be allowed to proceed with the securing of this loan effective about Sept. 1st.” The motion carried. As a point of interest, also at the Stated communication July 9, 1954 it was reported that “Brother Fred Bernhard presented a check for $50.00 to Auburn Lodge as a gift from Mrs. Bell Latham Cree long time friend of Auburn Lodge and whose father was a member having passed away in about 1932. This amount was set aside for payment on new upholstery for the officers chairs which are being refinished. It was found that Mrs. Cree’s family had assisted in making these chairs for the K. of P. Lodge and they were later purchased by Auburn Lodge. On August 13, 1954 at the Stated Communication a report was given as to the progress of the work on the building. It was reported that the sidewalk in front of the building was completed and that the paving of the parking lot and walk on the North side should be completed in the next week. The new chairs for the Lodge room had been bought and the floor tile for those parts of the building to be tiled had been selected. They asked for volunteers to install the chairs in the Lodge room and to lay part of the floor tile. Brother C.J. Robinson, Chairman of the Building Committee, reported that good progress was now being made on the Temple and in the near future volunteer labor would be needed to help in finishing. October 8, 1954: “Brother Fred Bernhard reported for the trustees that the arrangements for the loan of $35,000.00 had been completed and check for same would be received as soon as papers had been signed and inspected by James P. Irish” (James P. Irish was our attorney and a member of Auburn Lodge). November 12, 1954: “Brother James A. Gay reported for the building committee that the work was progressing on new Temple and we would be able to move in not later than Dec.1.” “On Friday December 3rd, 1954 a long awaited and hoped for event in the history of Auburn Lodge took place, the Dedication of our new Temple 3843 6th Ave. The Temple was opened for the greater part of the day and a large number of persons availed themselves of the privilege of inspecting the new Temple during the day.” At 6:00 pm the Officers of Auburn Lodge entertained the Grand Lodge Officers at a dinner at the El Bon Club rooms. At 7:30 pm a short program arranged by the Committee on arrangements had the Shrine Chanters give a fine musical program which was enjoyed by all present. Past Master O.J. Bartos, Chairman of the committee, then introduced the Building committee and Trustees of Auburn Lodge. It is stated in the minutes of this meeting that Auburn Lodge owes a great debt of gratitude to these committees for the many hours of study and work devoted to the task of planning and seeing the work of building the new Temple carried to its completion. Many other introductions and thanks followed. At approximately 7:55 pm the Grand Lodge of Iowa was opened in ample form by Grand Master Wilbur F. Earhart in a room adjacent to the dining hall of Auburn Lodge’s new Masonic Temple. The brethren then formed in Grand Procession and entered the Lodge Hall where the Dedication Ceremony was held and where they “dedicated the new Temple for the purposes of Freemasonry in a very impressive ceremony after which Grand Secretary Earl B. Delzell gave the address of the evening which was thoroughly enjoyed by all present.” In his address, Right Worshipful Grand Secretary Earl B. Delzell “stressed the significance of this new Temple in the lives of the people of the Highland Park Community.” O.J. Bartos P.G.T. then “presented the Worshipful Master, Albert R. Evans, with a set of three beautiful gavels.” The Grand Lodge Officers then returned to the room on the first floor and the Grand Lodge was closed at 9:25 pm. The number attending the dedication was even more than we had expected there having been a total of 842 registered and a large number who were unable to get into the Lodge. On March 11, 1955 Past Master Worshipful Brother C.J. Robinson, Chairman of The Building Committee, reported as follows: “The Building Committee wish to turn over the new Auburn Temple to the care of the Trustees of Auburn Lodge who will be responsible for the physical property of the lodge. Funds expended by the committee as follows. Allen Property, $13,705:00 Selvy lot $3,250:00; Surveying, $65:00; Paid contractors $10,6553:14; furnishings etc. $11,650:13; Architect, $3,000:00; Extras not listed $87:00; refund from Garmer & Stiles Co. $63:03 leaving a total of $137,942.24. Report signed by full committee. It was moved by Bro Jarvis Jones and seconded by Bro. Walter Lister that the report be accepted and committee commended for a job well done. Motion unanimously approved.”
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