Freemasonry in Iowa
Find a lodge, learn how to join, and explore the Masonic history of the Iowa.
Quick Facts: Freemasonry in Iowa
- Grand Lodge
- Grand Lodge of Iowa A.F. & A.M.
- Chartered
- 1844 (182 years of organized Freemasonry)
- Headquarters
- Cedar Rapids, IA
- Annual Communication
- Annual Communication in September
- Address
- 813 1st Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
Masonic History in Iowa
Freemasonry in Iowa is administered by the Grand Lodge of Iowa A.F. & A.M., chartered in 1844. Headquartered in Cedar Rapids, the Grand Lodge oversees Masonic activity across the state — including lodges in towns and cities of every size. Iowa Masons follow the same three Blue Lodge degrees (Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, Master Mason) that anchor the Craft worldwide.
For the full context of how Masonic ideas reached Iowa — including the medieval origins of the Craft, the 1717 founding of organized Freemasonry, and how lodges spread to America — see our complete History of Freemasonry.
The Grand Lodge of Iowa
Grand Lodge of Iowa A.F. & A.M.
Chartered 1844
How to Join Freemasonry in Iowa
The process for joining a Masonic lodge in Iowa follows the same path as anywhere else in the United States. There are four core requirements:
- 1Be a man of at least 18 years old (some Iowa lodges require 21). Women interested in Masonic-affiliated organizations should look at the Order of the Eastern Star.
- 2Believe in a Supreme Being. Freemasonry is not a religion and does not specify which faith — only that you have one.
- 3Be of good moral character. Lodges run background checks; serious criminal history is usually disqualifying.
- 4Ask of your own free will. Masonry never recruits — you must approach a lodge yourself.
Next step: Use our quick quiz at /can-i-join to confirm you meet the requirements, then find a lodge in Iowa below or in our lodge directory.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Freemasonry in Iowa.
When was Freemasonry established in Iowa?+
The Grand Lodge of Iowa A.F. & A.M. was chartered in 1844, making organized Freemasonry in Iowa 182 years old. Some individual lodges predate the Grand Lodge by years or decades, operating under charters from older jurisdictions.
How do I join a Masonic lodge in Iowa?+
To join Freemasonry in Iowa, you must be a man of at least 18 (some lodges require 21), believe in a Supreme Being, and be of good moral character. The next step is to contact a lodge near you and ask to meet members — usually over a meal before a stated meeting. After conversation, you submit a petition; if accepted, you are scheduled for initiation. The full process from petition to becoming a Master Mason typically takes 4-12 months.
How many Masonic lodges are there in Iowa?+
Iowa has dozens of active Masonic lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Iowa A.F. & A.M., headquartered in Cedar Rapids. The Grand Lodge maintains an official roster of all active lodges — see the contact information above to request a list, or use our directory to find one near you.
Who governs Freemasonry in Iowa?+
The Grand Lodge of Iowa A.F. & A.M. is the sole governing body for "mainstream" Freemasonry in the state. It operates independently and sovereignly — no worldwide Masonic authority exists. Prince Hall Freemasonry (the historically African American tradition) operates a separate Grand Lodge in many states; both are recognized as regular Freemasonry across the United States.
What is the address of the Grand Lodge of Iowa?+
The Grand Lodge is located at 813 1st Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401. Phone: +1-319-365-1438. Website: https://grandlodgeofiowa.org.
Show Your Iowa Brotherhood
Custom Masonic jackets, jerseys, hoodies, and commemorative coins — designed by Brothers, made for the Craft.