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The Masonic lodge at Desloge entertained with a reception at the Fraternal Hall, in Desloge, Monday evening, complimentary to the Past Masters of the lodge. It was attended by about 125 Masons, Eastern Stars, their families and a few invited friends.
The program of the evening was in charge of E. C. Colson, the present Worshipful Master and included the following numbers: Selection by orchestra; America by audience; Prayer, J. L. Blunt; Selection by orchestra; Sextette, Miss Freda Kies, Mesdames J. J. Jennings and Julia Morris, Dr. L. M. Reaves, J. L. Blunt and L. O. Gnadt with Miss Morgan at the piano; Tap dance, Norman Dresser; History of Ionic Lodge, C. G. Dresser; Introduction of Past Masters, Dr. L. M. Reaves; Duet, Miss Freda Kies and Dr. L. M. Reaves. The members of the orchestra were Miss Mildred Patterson, Milford Ward, Harry Ward, Roy Brown and Edward Wells.
The history of the lodge prepared and given by C. G. Dresser was very interesting. On April 12, 1901, a group of 26 men petitioned the Grand Lodge of Missouri for permission to organize a lodge and under this dispensation E. E. Turley was Worshipful Master. They were granted a charter on October 17, 1901 and the area embraced the towns of Elvins, Flat River and Desloge. Shortly after organization, the lodge decided to erect a building of its own and a site was selected in Taylortown and a building was erected which is now occupied by H. W. Buckley's store. In 1914, the lodge moved to Desloge. Originally organized with 26 members, it has grown large enough to sponsor Elvins lodge and still count 145 active members.
The following past masters were present as honor guests: A. J. Clay, 1906; Wm. G. Manson, 1908; R. L. Hood, 1910; John C. Haney, 1914; J. L. Blunt, 1919; Wm. A. White, 1921; H. R. Stahl, 1922; George W. Qualls, 1924; Frank E. Wells, 1928; G. L. Hood, 1929; and C. G. Dresser, 1930. The Eastern Star ladies served refreshments of sandwiches, ice cream, cake and coffee.