EARLY MORNING LODGE #672
A.F & A.M
2412 Grant Street
Bettendorf, I.A. 52722


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Seceretary
Realff Ottesen

earlymorninglodge@yahoo.com

Early Morning Lodge #672 history

Early Morning Lodge #672 was not the result of one or two master masons’ thinking, but rather came about through propitious timing and unselfish cooperation.

            The inspiration may have started with an article in the March 1977 Iowa Grand Masonic Bulletin, announcing a new daylight lodge in Waterloo.  The purpose of a daylight lodge was to give opportunity for industrial shift workers to join and participate in lodge.  It was not feasible for shift workers, especially second shift, to attend evening lodges.

            On June 19, 1977, members of area lodges as well as Grand Lodge officers and personnel met at Bettendorf Masonic Temple to discuss the possibility of forming a daylight lodge locally.  The manufacturing businesses in the area employed large numbers of shift workers at that time.

            Iowa Masonic code provisions permitted membership in two lodges, a provision known as dual membership.  This provision went far to enable the forming of a new lodge.  But also crucial to the formation of Early Morning Lodge was the concurrence of nineteen master masons who were willing to sign a petition, requesting a dispensation from the Grand Lodge of Iowa to form a daylight lodge.

            Early Morning Lodge #672 was chartered on July 17, 1977 with the following members: Dennis Zahrt, Hubert Carotius, David Mason, Jim Decker, Aaron Lake, Don Koss, John Page, Lewis Gerth, Harold Herington, and John Regennitter.  Five of these good men are still living. Members of Early Morning Lodge who have served as Grand Lodge officers are Dennis Zahrt, Bill Odom and Realff Ottesen.

            The beginning of Early Morning Lodge was not easy, as the first Principal officers of the lodge had to be Past Masters and thus experienced and proficient in their duties.  Furthermore, there were supplies, lodge furniture, and lodge equipment to be purchased.  By being allowed to share the use of Bettendorf Masonic Temple, Early Morning Lodge was relieved of some, though not all, of those expenses.  Through the willing assistance of many Masonic Instructors and District Lecturers, and through the enthusiastic generosity of many, many brother masons, the start-up difficulties and expenses were overcome.

            In 2007, Early Morning Lodge continues to serve a need in the community through its emphasis on fellowship and charity, and to provide attendance opportunities to those men who need a daylight lodge’s meeting schedule.