Decorah Masons

08/21/2026

08/14/2026

I bet there will be a lot of interest for this movie.

Host of Rocky Mountain Mason podcast recently gave a presentation on the Knights of Malta at the Iowa Research Lodge #2; sourced almost entirely from the Triennial Transactions of the Grand Encampment Knights Templar USA.

Mel Gibson is preparing another historical epic—this time about one of the most extraordinary Christian military victories in European history: the Great Siege of Malta of 1565. ⚔️✝️🇲🇹

Gibson revealed that he and his team have already written around three hours of a limited series currently titled Siege. He described the story as both entertaining and educational, and has already scouted locations in Malta. As of 2026, the project is still in development rather than fully greenlit, but people connected to Malta’s film industry have said it is moving forward.

The story itself is almost made for a Mel Gibson film.
In 1565, the Ottoman Empire sent a massive invasion force against Malta, defended by the Knights Hospitaller under Grand Master Jean Parisot de Valette, together with Maltese militia, Spanish troops and other Christian defenders. Roughly 600–700 Knights formed the core of a defending force of several thousand, facing an Ottoman army commonly estimated in the tens of thousands.

For nearly four months, the defenders endured bombardment, repeated assaults and enormous casualties. Fort St. Elmo was virtually destroyed. The situation became so desperate that surrender repeatedly seemed inevitable.
But Malta held.

By September, the Ottoman army withdrew, leaving behind one of the most famous failed sieges of the 16th century.

The victory transformed the Knights of Malta into legends and made Grand Master Jean de Valette one of the great Christian military figures of the era. The city of Valletta would later bear his name.

Gibson called it an “incredible story” and said:
“700 knights defended Malta against an onslaught… and wow, the knights won.”

Braveheart.
The Passion of the Christ.
Apocalypto.

And potentially now: The Great Siege of Malta.
This could be absolutely legendary. ⚔️✝️🇲🇹

07/14/2026

Each summer Decorah & Fairfield get together for a night of esoteric fun.

Topic: The "Ancient Order of Ishmael" was a 36-degree system worked by Freemasons in the late 1800's and recently rediscovered from the depths of England's Museum of Freemasonry. We will discuss the degrees, the ritual, and stories told inside it. Also, who were the authors, and what other degree systems did they have at that time? Open to all Masons, E.A. and above.

Date: Thursday, July 16th
Time: 7:000 pm
Supper: 6:00 pm
Location: Clinton Lodge #15:
Address: 52 1/2 E. Briggs Ave, Fairfield, IA
Contact: Francis Mosse (641) 919-6050

05/07/2026

Congratulations to Bradley Dahl and Adele Conway (South Winn, Calmar) and Mitchel Stemper (Decorah) in receiving the Iowa Masonic Scholarships.

W.M. Roger Hamilton presented at South Winn, and Brother Adam Riley presented at Decorah.

"Support of the American School system has been a cardinal teaching of the Masonic Fraternity from its inception. This is the 56th year that Iowa Masons have presented scholarships to graduates of Iowa's public high schools. Scholarships are based on Leadership, Community Activities and Involvement, Academic Record, and Need. This year a total of 25 applicants received awards (Fifteen for $5,000, and ten for $2,500)"

04/21/2026

Despite storms and hail: Coordinate Council Meeting last Wednesday, April 15th.

Great night last evening with my Scottish Rite brothers in Cedar Rapids

04/16/2026

Last night the Grand Master of Iowa gave a great presentation at the Cedar Rapids Scottish Rite Valley's Coordinate Council about the state of masonry. He was also presenting these coins to First Responders, both who traveled from Great Lights Lodge #181. We appreciate everyone's great work.

04/14/2026

The Decorah Scottish Rite Club will be carpooling to the Cedar Rapids Valley Temple this Wednesday night for our Coordinate Council Meeting. After a meal, Grand Master Sheeler will be presenting.

Any Freemason may join us. You do not need to be a Scottish Rite member to attend this event.

Brethren, join us for the Coordinate Council Meeting on April 15th, 2026, at the Cedar Rapids Scottish Rite, 616 A Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401.

Dinner provided by the Valley of Cedar Rapids at 6:00 PM, followed by the meeting at 7:00 PM. Our special guest is Most Worshipful Brother Wade E. Sheeler, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Iowa.

04/14/2026

Congratulations to Grant and Robert being Passed to the Degree of Fellowcraft last night.

"Build thee more stately mansions, oh my soul,
As the swift seasons roll;
Leave they low-vaulted past;
Let each new Temple, nobler than the last,
Shut thee from heaven with a dome more vast,
Till thou at length art free;
Leaving thine outgrown shell by life's unresting sea."