1851 to Present

Our history

The story of East Gate Lodge began in 1920 when six dedicated Masons—M.N. Goodson (Past Master, 1921), C. Christison (Past Master, 1922), C. Wells (Past Master, 1923), A. Rist (Past Master, 1924 and 1927), H. Rice (Past Master, 1925), and Brother Woods—petitioned for a Masonic charter. Their efforts were rewarded on June 14, 1921, when a charter was granted, officially establishing East Gate Lodge No. 630 A.F. & A.M.

For the first 29 years, the Lodge met in the Odd Fellows Lodge No. 576 building at the corner of East 30th Street and Walnut Street, above what was then a neighborhood grocery store. The rental fee for each meeting was just $5.00, and annual dues were only $4.00—a remarkable reminder of how times have changed. At the Lodge's very first Grand Lodge communication, 19 petitions for membership were presented, reflecting the enthusiasm for Freemasonry in the community.

Membership grew rapidly. By 1925, East Gate Lodge had welcomed 135 members, and by 1950 the Lodge had expanded to 633 Brothers. This tremendous growth created the need for a permanent home of its own.

In 1950, the Brothers purchased land at the corner of East 25th Street and Grand Avenue. Demonstrating the principles of brotherhood and the traditions of operative masonry, many members worked together to construct the Lodge building themselves. The cornerstone was ceremonially laid on November 4, 1950, and on November 19, 1950, the Grand Lodge of Iowa dedicated the new building. The dedication ceremony featured traditional Masonic regalia, the symbolic silver trowel, and the ancient offerings of corn, oil, and wine—representing nourishment, joy, prosperity, and peace.

By 1970, East Gate Lodge had grown to more than 1,000 members, making it one of the area's thriving Masonic lodges. While membership has naturally changed over the decades, today the Lodge remains strong with more than 220 members, reflecting numbers similar to those of the early 1930s and 1940s.

Our historic Lodge building continues to serve as a place of fellowship, learning, and service. It provides a welcoming home where we conduct our meetings, plan charitable activities, host community events such as our annual car show, and provide Iowa State Fair parking as a service to our neighbors.

More than a century after our founding, East Gate Lodge No. 630 continues to meet at our East 25th Street location, honoring the traditions of Freemasonry while actively supporting and participating in the community we are proud to call home.

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