I moved to Marshall County from Linn County in June of 2021. It has taken a while to acclimate and get acquainted with the community here. So far, so good. Love the center of the state for sure. Part of my becoming “planted” here is to be aware and involved with the city, county, state and federal officials and the locals. I listened to some of the Supervisors meeting from Oct. 25 and noted at the end remarks by Dave Thompson, whom I really know nothing about other than that he stated he is a Mason and that the Grand Lodge of Iowa would be coming to participate in the dedication of the cornerstone.

It seemed that no one else was aware of that fact and made me wonder how is it they would give themselves the honor of making this dedication and the community of Marshalltown and Marshall County not be involved. It just seems a bit presumptuous and a bit secretive. I’ve mentioned it to some fairly knowledgeable people I know, and they were quite surprised and not in favor either.

I believe there are a lot of people of faith from different churches in Marshall County that would not appreciate the Masons’ participation. It’s wonderful for the Grand Lodge to dedicate their own building, but I think not appropriate for them to dedicate a public building paid for by the local residents of Marshall County.

I’m sure there are plenty of local ministers who would love the opportunity to say a prayer of blessing and dedicate the cornerstone along with local officials and leaders. How about Governor Reynolds herself? Sorry, I’m not in favor of the Masonic Grand Lodge of Iowa having their hands in this. No Masonic rites performed over our courthouse.