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Olivet Masonic Lodge #436 Closes after 135 years

Photo by Betty Dahms Front row (l-r): Richard Klinefelter, Dale Osten, Chuck Bearden, Jim Hooper, Chuck Willer WM Dave Buskohl. Middle row (l-r): Rev. Gideon Gallo, WM Sam Young, Tom Kehoe, Marlin Mullnix. Back row (l-r) Barry Reese, Ryan Bru, Marvin Boldt.

Olivet Masonic Lodge #436 met at the Gladbrook United Methodist Church on Thursday, October 11 to hold their final meeting in Gladbrook.

Due to the fire in December of 2016 that destroyed their lodge hall, the members decoded to join with the members of Hesperia Lodge #340 in Traer, Iowa. Both lodges have about the same number of members which will help in filling in officers and positions in the lodge.

Masonry in Gladbrook was started in 1883 when the Grand Lodge of Iowa issued a charter. Through the years men have joined the fraternity to become better persons within themselves. Many men who were business men and from all walks of life were and still are Masons.

The Masonic Fraternity is the oldest fraternity in the world and branches intio many organizations including the Ladies of the Order of the Eastern Star, who shared with the Olivet Lodge until they merged with the Traer Chapter several years ago. The Shriners are also part of Masonry and noted for their work with children.

With the closing of Olivet #436, it does not mean the end but a new beginning. The will still be a vital part of the Gladbrook community and continue to support education through the Grand Lodge Scholarship Program, many of the local students in the past have been selected to receive this honor.

Photo by Betty Dahms 50 Year Members (l-r) Chuck Bearden, Dale Osten, Jim Hooper, and Chuck Willer

Since the fire two years ago, one member, Barry Reese, has gone above and beyond to make sure that everything was being handled in the correct manner.

The secretary Barry Reese put in many hours to see that this was done correctly.

Barry and his wife Kayla are moving to Indianola, after 40 years of teaching, coaching, and serving the Gladbrook community.

The Masons of Olivet #436 would like to thank the Gladbrook community for their support over the the last 135 years and hope for a strong future.

Barry Reese Honored Pictured is Past Master Chuck Bearden presenting Barry Reese with his plaque and gift certificate for his years as secretary of Olivet Lodge #436.