Our History

Ashlar Lodge No. 111 received its charter from the Grand Lodge of Iowa on June 2, 1858. The lodge first met under dispensation in December 1857, making it one of Fort Dodge's oldest continuous fraternal organizations. Charter-era brothers included Fort Dodge founder William Williams (secretary under dispensation), surgeon S.B. Olney, and others who helped shape the young town. Early initiates included John F. Duncombe (February 22, 1858) and Cyrus C. Carpenter, later Governor of Iowa. Other notable members in lodge history include Congressman John Duncombe, Senator Jonathan P. Dolliver, and bandmaster Karl King. The lodge's historic Masonic Temple at 1021 First Avenue North was completed about 1915. That building was later sold and became home to Beacon of Hope, a men's shelter. Today Ashlar meets at 712 3rd St NW in Fort Dodge, in the shared community building with AFES (Athletics For Education & Success), the former Hillcrest Elementary School. In 1876 the lodge reported 126 members. Ashlar also sponsored Fort Dodge and Dolliver DeMolay chapters in the twentieth century, reflecting a long tradition of supporting Masonic youth. Sources: Grand Lodge of Iowa / Grand View lodge locator; Webster County 1876 Centennial History (iagenweb); Iowa DeMolay chapter history; archived Ashlar lodge website (dodgenet.com/~ashlar, Wayback Machine); Messenger News historical coverage.