The annual Installation of Lodge Officers was held on December 18th at Grace UMC in Tiffin.
Following a delicious meal catered by Hy-Vee and fellowship, everyone was escorted to the sanctuary for the installation of officers and entertainment.
Most Worshipful Brother Dennis Zahrt acted as Installing Master while Right Worshipful Brother Junior Sharp served as Installing Marshal.
Canopy Lodge, in cooperation with Fidelitas Lodge in Fairfax. sponsored a 5K Run/1K Walk in Tiffin.
This year’s and subsequent year’s races will be dedicated to the memory of Rob Chabal. Rob was a member of Canopy Masonic Lodge in Oxford and an avid runner. Rob passed away unexpectedly in 2008 leaving behind a young family.
A scholarship has been established in Brother Rob’s name with the funding a result of this event.
The results are tabulated and some of the statistics are as follows:
- The overall winner was a 19 year old with a 5K time of 18 minutes 59 seconds, followed closely by a 36 year old at 19:35 and a 45 year old at 20:04.
- The last runner crossed the finish line with a time of 49 minutes 23 seconds.
- There were a total of 90 runners, six walkers, and seven “no shows”.
- That’s a total of 103 brave souls who registered.
Some of the Brothers of Canopy Lodge gathered at PB Body Shop on July 3rd to decorate Brother Mark Portwood’s huge truck in preparation for the parades in Coralville and Oxford.
Canopy Lodge, in cooperation with American Legion Post 537 in Oxford, held a benefit breakfast for our Brother Justin Wade on Sunday May 16th, 2010.
Justin has been unable to work or drive since he was diagnosed with heart problems. He has had surgery to replace two defective valves in his heart and faces additional corrective surgery.
Since he is unable to drive or work, he has had no medical insurance and you can probably imagine the bills associated with his surgeries.
With the help of American Legion members and the Legion Auxiliary, and the participation of the good citizens of this and surrounding communities, we were able to present Justin with a check exceeding $4,500.
A big debt of gratitude is due to the American Legion for the use of their facility and their assistance in this good and great work.
On April 28th, 2010, Brother Rick Bowersox was on hand to present a very special award to Brother Bruce Dolder.
The Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouter Award is an honor due to members of the Masonic Lodge who act as role models and provide dedicated service to the young men in the BSA. The Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Award not only supports the Masonic relationship through the man who brought Scouting to America, but proclaims the integrity of the recipient who is honored by receiving the award.
The Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouter Award is a Boy Scout Community Organization Award, used by community organizations to honor their volunteers for Scouting. Recipients are presented a medallion on a neck ribbon and may wear the generic Boy Scout Community Organization Award Square Knot.
The award is administered by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania as a service to all other Grand Lodges.
The award is presented to a Master Mason who is currently a registered Scouter and active in a Scout unit, district, council, or national affiliate, and has displayed outstanding dedication to the Scouting program.
Work accomplishment and dedication, rather than a specific number of years in Scouting, will be the criteria for this award.
Canopy Lodge held it’s annual Family/Friends Banquet at the Oxford American Legion on Wednesday April 21st, 2010.
Brother Mark Petersen was in charge of arrangements and did an excellent job of procuring a fine meal of swiss-steak, herb roasted chicken breast, potato casserole and corn catered by Hy-Vee, rolls and honey cinnamon butter donated by Texas Roadhouse and ice cream from Hawkeye Foods.
A blessing was provided by Brother Mike Ryan.
Thirty Masons, spouses, significant others, and friends were on hand for the event.
Following the meal, Worshipful Master Perry Beckler honored us with a PowerPoint presentation of his and Judy’s trip to the Holy Land in 2007.
Penny Gilley and her All-Star Band were on hand at the Old Creamery Theater in Amana for three performances on April 10th and 11th, 2010.
This is our annual event held to support our Clear Creek/Amana Scholarship Fund.
New round Masonic signs had been ordered last month and were installed on Friday March 19th, 2010, by Brothers Jeff Hankins and Harry Dolder.
The annual Canopy Lodge Christmas Party was held on Saturday, December 19th, 2009 at Grace United Methodist Church in Tiffin.
Mark Portwood and Mark Petersen were in charge of the delicious meal consisting of roast beef, ham, cheesy potatoes and green beans followed with ice cream for dessert.
Perry and Steve Beckler were also busy setting up the facility and lining up the entertainment.
A free-will offering was solicited with one half the proceeds going to the Marty Jiras family whose house suffered fire damage, and the other half going to the food bank at the Tiffin U.M.C.
When the meal was finished and the dishes done, all were seated in the sanctuary for the program.
L-R: Justin Wade, Steve Beckler, Gary Wilkinson, Perry Beckler, Bruce Dolder, Mike Ryan, Dana Roggentien, Doug Darrow, Dan Hall, Harry Dolder,
Bill Ganschow, Tom Bowersox.Officers of Canopy Lodge held open installation of 2010 Officers on Sunday, December 13th, 2009 at the American Legion Hall in Oxford.
Bill Ganschow was the installing Master, Steve Nielsen did the honors as installing Marshal and Justin Wade was the installing Secretary.
Following a few remarks by our new Master, Perry Beckler, refreshments were served.
Canopy Lodge was privileged to host a Grand Master’s Area Meeting on November 30, 2009.
The furnace was turned up, lunch was planned and the room set up for guests.
Approximately fifty Masons were in attendance including a number of Grand Lodge officers.
Brother Jim Burr acted as Master of Ceremonies and after an opening prayer, delivered by Brother Perry Beckler, and the Pledge of Allegiance, he introduced Most Worshipful Grand Master Craig C. Hummel.
The Grand Master delivered a welcome to all and was followed by Brother Craig L. Davis, Chairman of Division and Reference.
Our own Worshipful Master, Dana Roggentien, received several awards. First was his personal Ashlar Award, followed by Lodge awards, Plus One and Lodge of the Year.
A cornerstone ceremony took place on Aug. 23rd at the new Clear Creek Amana High School in Tiffin.
The cornerstone laying was conducted by the Grand Lodge of Iowa officers in conjunction with Canopy Lodge No. 290. We were ably assisted by the Knights Templar, American Legion Post 537 of Oxford, Cub Scouts from Pack 222, and Boy Scouts from Troop 222.
Canopy Lodge is extremely grateful to the administration of Clear Creek Amana for permitting us to perform this joyful duty.
Saturday, July 25th was the culmination of weeks of preparation for this outdoor 3rd degree event. The Saturday, 1 week before the event, was spent mowing and grading, and Friday, the day before, was spent with additional mowing and spraying for insects.
After too much rain, much too often, the weatherman finally cooperated on Saturday. Brother Don Larson, who belongs to the Lodge in Norway, brought his tractor and worked with the ground without much success.
Finally, in desperation, we ordered a load of gravel to be delivered on Friday, the day before the event. While trying to deliver the load, the truck driver got stuck and had to be towed. After freeing his truck from the muck and mire, he was forced to dump his load adjacent to the road where Brother Don and his tractor then proceeded to pack it in.
Concern was still very high on Saturday morning but the warmer weather and some welcome winds proved beneficial and the path finally became passable to vehicles.
We had numerous conversations and email contacts with Most Worshipful Brother Ray Chamberlin, Past Grand Master of Masons in Iowa, who was the 2009 Rally Chairman for a group of Masonic Campers (National Camping Travelers).
The NCT group was holding their national convention at the Amana Campground for a week beginning Saturday. Thanks to the efforts of Brother Ray, we were blessed with nearly 100 campers at our event.
Following the Run/Walk event in Tiffin, Brothers from Canopy Lodge gathered at the Shari Chabal residence and cleaned out a barn that had been infested with ground hogs.
The Brothers removed everything from the inside, leveled and packed the dirt floor and then returned the usable items to their place.
The discarded items were placed on a pile and burned.
The Brothers involved were: Randy Aldrich, Chris George and two sons Chris Jr. and Charlie, Doug Darrow, Perry and Steve Beckler, Mark Portwood and Justin Wade.
Canopy Lodge was represented at the Coralville and Oxford parades on July 4th.
Brother Mark Portwood donated the use of his rather large truck which was decorated at PB Body Shop by Perry, Judy, and Steve Beckler, Dana Roggentien and Mark Portwood.
L-R: Bill Crawford, Melissa Walls, Michael Rugger, Kayla Darrow, Kelly Cochran, Mark Portwood and Worshipful Master Dana Roggentien.
Wednesday, May 13 was the annual Recognition Ceremony at Clear Creek/Amana High School in Tiffin.
Canopy Lodge provided four scholarships.
Grand Secretary Bill Crawford was on hand to help make the presentations.
Penny Gilley and her All-Star Band performed at the Old Creamery Theater on April 4th and 5th, 2009.
The turnout was not nearly as good as we had hoped but the show was tremendous.
I talked to several patrons as they were leaving and everyone had good comments.
Brother Bruce Dolder presented the colors for the patriotic finale.
Monday, March 30 was the date set aside by our Grand Master as a time to re-obligate each Brother in the state of Iowa, to remind them of their duty to God, their neighbor, and themselves.
Canopy Lodge was opened at 7:00 pm on the 3rd degree.
Fourteen Brothers then joined Brother Bruce Dolder as he knelt at the altar, while Worshipful Master Dana Roggentien delivered the ceremony.
Missing from this picture are Brothers Doug Darrow and Bill Ganschow. They were present and were supposed to be in the picture but due to a huge error by the photographer (Harry), they did not show.
Officers for 2009 [Front L-R: Mike Ryan, Darrell Ealy, Bill Ganschow, Dana Roggentien, Steve Beckler, Mark Portwood Rear L-R: Matt Riggan, Dan Hall, Dale Lenz, Jim Bartels, Bruce Dolder]
The Canopy Lodge officers for the 2009 year were installed on Sunday January 18th.
The evening began at 5:30 pm with a sandwich and cake lunch and fellowship. The group consisting of Brothers, families and friends then gathered in the lodge for the ceremony.
After a few comments by outgoing Master Larry Cochran, the festivities were turned over to the Most Worshipful Dennis Zahrt, Past Grand Master of Masons in Iowa, who acted as Installing Master.
The installing Marshal was Bill Ganschow, the installing Chaplain was Jere Covington and the installing Secretary was Harry Dolder.
Canopy Lodge owes a BIG thank you to the folks at Grace United Methodist Church in Tiffin for allowing us to use their facilities for our 2nd annual Christmas Party.
92 brothers & guests were served a delicious meal consisting of ham, potatoes, corn, dessert and drinks.
Following the meal, everyone went to the sanctuary where we were entertained by several local talents.
First a duet of Kris Vannausdle and Linda Alberts, a solo by Miranda Beckler and a solo by David Raim. David was then joined by our Brother Mike Ryan who played and sang.
The M.C. for the evening was that “Grumpy Old Man Herkimer” played by Brother Perry Beckler. The festivities were concluded by the church choir.
Brothers Larry Cochran, Darrell Ealy and their ladies along with Harry Dolder returned from Branson, MO on December 8th after attending 15 shows in that city.
We all enjoyed the performance of Penny Gilley, who will be performing at our annual scholarship fundraising concert on April 4th and 5th at the Old Creamery Theater in Amana. Penny will bring her band with her and all are encouraged to attend this show. Penny is talented, beautiful, and also very gracious.
Of course we saw our friend and brother Jim Owen.
Seven Brothers from Canopy Lodge, Larry Cochran, Dana Roggentien, Perry Beckler, Steve Beckler, Darrell Ealy, Harry Dolder, Bruce Dolder, and Tom Bowersox were all in attendance at the Grand Master’s Area Meeting, Wednesday November 12, held at the Scottish Rite Temple and hosted by Crescent Lodge No. 25.
The theme of the meeting was Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.
Brother Steve Beckler was presented with his Ashlar Award by Most Worshipful Grand Master Jack Butler and Past Grand Master Most Worshipful Don Mosier.
All the brothers from Canopy Lodge were called forward to receive the Plus One Award, the Iowa Lodge of the Year Award, and the most appreciated Lodge Service Committee Membership Award pictured above.
On Sept. 11, 2008, Brother Jim Bartels and W.M. Larry Cochran presented a 50 year pin and certificate to Brother Jim Dunsmore.
Brother Dunsmore then regaled us with his unfortunate adventures of the past year. He stated that he is back in Iowa and happy to be back in the fold.
We had full cooperation from the weatherman on Sunday, Sept. 21st, 2008, for our annual lodge picnic.
The participation was not as great as some other years but those of us that were able to attend had a good time and of course, great food.
The Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Iowa was held Sept. 18-20, 2008, at the Airport Holiday Inn in Des Moines.
Five brothers from Canopy Lodge were in attendance. W.M. Larry Cochran (or Corcoran as they mispronounced it a couple times), Darrell Ealy, Dana Roggentien, Tom Bowersox and Harry Dolder were able to attend the Friday and Saturday sessions. Some good legislation was passed such as, a Masonic Charitable Educational Scholarship Committee which is responsible for administering a bequest from a brother's estate that will provide funds for students enrolled in mechanical or trade courses in one of Iowa's Community Colleges.
Another amendment to the Masonic Code now permits the participation in raffles, drawings, and bingo for the purpose of raising funds for lodges.
This has been legal in the state of Iowa for a long time but was prohibited in the Masonic Code.
Other amendments were passed but most were to "clean up" the wording in sections of the code.
The highlight for Canopy Lodge was not only the receipt of "Lodge of the Year" award, which we will receive at a Grand Masters Area Meeting, but the even more prestigious "Membership Award" which is awarded to lodges with the largest growth. Canopy Lodge tied with one other lodge in the state with 12 raisings during the Grand Lodge year.
On Tuesday Sept. 16th, 2008, W.M. Larry Cochran and Bro. Darrell Ealy and their ladies made the trip to the Scottish Rite Temple in Cedar Rapids for the purpose of picking up a "snack shack" which was a gift from the Scottish Rite to Canopy Lodge.
The interior is equipped with a stove, refrigerator, Sno-Cone machine, cotton candy machine, microwave, sink, and a funnel cake machine.
There is much work to be done including roof repair, cleaning, and painting so be prepared for a work day or several to get this into shape.
The intent is to set up at events and make some money for the Lodge charities and also to make our presence better known in the community.
Early Wednesday morning, Aug. 20, 2008, saw the craft at work at North Bend Elementary School.
The brothers from Canopy Lodge joined with the Grand Lodge Officers at 8:00am for the laying of the cornerstone and consecration of that new building in our school district.
The ceremony took place in the cafeteria at 9:00am and was attended by the entire student body.
Several members of the High School band were present and played the school song as well as the Star Spangled Banner.
The colors were presented by Cub Scout Pack 222 and the event was emceed by School Board representative, Kevin Kinney.
Keith Johnk, representing Shive-Hattery Architects, and Jerry Kuhl, North Liberty Mayor pro-tem were on hand to speak.
Canopy Lodge sends their sincere thanks to the Clear Creek/Amana School Board, Superintendent Dr. Paula Vincent and North Bend Principal Brenda Parker for their help and blessing of this event.
Several brothers set up a food booth July 24th, 2008, on the Upper Old Highway 6 property of Bob and Vicky Lane.
Our menu consisted of loose meat sandwiches, brats, ballpark hot-dogs, pie, drinks and watermelon.
Sales were not very brisk but we enjoyed the fellowship of the day.
Thanks need to go out to the following:
- Bob and Vicky Lane for the grounds and also the tent.
- Stutsman’s in Hills for the watermelon tank.
- The Depot for ice.
- Bill Taylor for the ground beef.
- Bob Rogers for the Porta-Potties.
- Nona Walker for ice.
- Dakota Kutcher (Mark Portwood’s g-daughter) for her help.
Friday, May 30, 2008, seventeen brothers from Canopy Lodge were involved in a cornerstone laying at the Veterans Trail at the East Overlook of the Coralville Reservoir.
Brother Sentman served as Orator for the event.
Brother Mark Portwood assisted the Ranger during the installation of the marker.