They applied for and were granted their dispensation on June 27, 1870 by Grand Master John Scott. During their first year they raised ten Master Masons.

July 1, 1871, was the grand occasion at which Special Grand Deputy of the Grand Master, T. S. Parvin delivered their charter, it having been granted at the meeting of the Grand Lodge of Iowa on June 7th.

At that time, with only 18 members, hall rent to pay, and lodge furnishings to purchase, they were in hard financial straits and borrowed $200 at 10 percent interest and raised their dues from $2.00 to $4.00 per year.

In 1880 they moved into the building across the street, west from our present hall. This building was then new and the builders had designed an upstairs hall according to the specifications of the Masons who then paid rent of $100 per year. If one looks closely, you can still see the Masonic emblem on the upper part of this building.

Seven years later they purchased a rather extensive area upon which our present building now stands, for $1,750. South of the hall was a large storehouse with an upstairs hall. They moved into that hall on March 9, 1887. Eight years later our present hall was built and they held their first meeting on St. John’s night Dec. 27, 1895. They borrowed $3,000 at 7 percent interest.

In 1909, they built the addition on the south of the temple, which was their dining room and a funeral parlor. They again borrowed $3,500.

By the year 1950, the lodge was finally out of debt and celebrated the event on our 80th anniversary. Soon afterward the lodge again went into debt as remodeling was done at the store, post office, and funeral parlor.

On that fateful night of April 30 1992, a fire started in a tavern at the south end of the Mason’s property, and in spite of the heroic efforts of our local fire fighters and those of the surrounding communities, all was nearly lost. Luckily, the heavy wooden door leading from the temple to the dining room was closed; otherwise the temple would surely have burned. Possibly the greatest loss of all was the fine china that was stored in the kitchen. None of the records were lost as they were locked in the safe at the time.

Since that date, the lodge has been completely remodeled, including a new kitchen, bathroom, furnace and air-conditioner. New carpet was also added and the south exterior wall was covered with stucco. All this was done without incurring any debt.

In 1993, a scholarship committee was formed and the first two annual scholarships were awarded to Clear Creek/Amana college-bound seniors. A scholarship fund has been established so that we may continue to offer financial awards every year.

Other philanthropic ventures include the local Fire Departments, First Responders, Boy Scouts, CC/A Elementary Fun Fair, July 4th Fireworks, 4H, FFA, senior meals, and others.

The year 1995 was of three-fold importance to Canopy Lodge.

1. Masonry in Iowa was 150 years old.
2. Canopy Lodge No. 290 was 125 years old.
3. The present Masonic temple was 100 years old.