Henry County Historical Highlights: Spotlight on Masonic Temple in Winfield

The Masonic building in the heart of Winfield is our town's only three-story building and one of our oldest. It was built in 1915 by the architects of Eckland and DeArment for $17,425.

Free masonry is the teachings and practices of the secret fraternal order (men only). It's the world's largest secret society. Its origin dates back centuries. The local fraternities of stonemasons regulated the qualification of stonemasons and their interacting with authority and clients.

They work together to help others, raising funds and doing charity work. They are religious in character but not connected to any particular orthodoxy. The square and compass are perhaps their most recognized symbols.

Our Winfield Chapter 235 has currently got 37 paid dues members. They sponsored two to four seniors at Winfield-Mt. Union with scholarships. At Christmas, they gave grocery coupons and turkeys to six families in need.

Their first location was above the Brook store on the north end of town, in 1868. Since 1915, they have held meetings in the top two floors of the three-story building and rented out the ground floor which is divided in two sections.

One of the businesses on the first floor was Mid-West Grocery Store from 1921-1924 and also G.H. Carter & Company. The school board rented the second-floor banquet hall and kitchen area for seven weeks in 1923 following a fire at the school. The Red Cross had rented the same area in 1918, related to World War I efforts. Benner Tea Co./Benteco (later to become Aldi's) rented space in the early years.

On the ground floor of the north, some of the businesses consisted of Brown's Food Market, Will Brown 1935-1943, Nelson Grocery 1943-1963 with rent of only $45 in 1955. Delores and Jim Honts had their Super Value store there in 1964 until they moved across the street in 1969. Dr. Don Westercamp, DVM opened his vet clinic in 1970, with Randy Blaylock coming in with Westercamp from 1972-1975. In 1975, Dr. Norm Hansmeyer joined Westercamp and Dr. Hansmeyer is still there in 2021.

On the south side of the masonic building, there have been many businesses as well. In 1931, Nellie Willis had the Silver Grill before moving across the street. In 1933, Don Kunkel had a clothing store which he sold to N.M. Miles in 1934.

The Beth and Bob store ran from 1935-1937. Maurice Doyle had a variety store there from 1938-1951. Many remember the Bert & Dorothy Erickson store from 1951-1974. They paid $35 rent in 1955. How times change! In 1979, Liz Wasson moved her Sew & So Shop from the Coberly building to this location.

Phil McCormick rented one room for his law office prior to 1999. Later that same year, the Winfield Museum rented the first floor and basement and they are still there. The museum has recreated Erickson's Toyland that was in the basement for many years.

The original lot the building now sits on was purchased for $1,500 in 1915. Z.C. Smith provided much of the woodwork and furniture for the lodge. All the beautiful red oak chairs, alter and pedestal were purchased for $209.

Winfield Sash & Door Co. provided the kitchen cupboards at a cost of $24.50. The south portion of the first floor was remodeled in 1988 consisting of air conditioning, carpet, one office and reception area. Windows were replaced in 1926 and more recently a chair lift was added in the late 1990s. Other updates have happened through the years.

The Winfield Museum is open on Monday from 10 a.m. until noon all year. We have some masonic memorabilia and jewelry on display.

I appreciate Mike Huston's help on this early history. He is the secretary for the Good Faith Lodge 235.