Masonic Home of Missouri History—125th Anniversary

Historical Overview of the Masonic Home of Missouri

October 1887 The undertaking in which we have engaged is not a small one. It involves not the work of a day, or year, or a generation even, but the united efforts of every Mason in the State for all time to come. It involves labor, sacrifice, anxiety, devotion, liberality, confidence, faith, hope and charity.

Personal gain, selfishness, ill-will or jealousy should find no place in this work. Every Mason in Missouri should feel that he has a personal interest in the Home. He should esteem it a privilege rather than a duty to give to its aid, not only now but every year that God may spare his life. If every one of the thirty thousand Masons in Missouri will voluntarily make small annual offerings to the Home it will become an incalculable blessing to our Order and to all its members. “The Lord loveth a cheerful giver,� and our Home should be the free-will offering of our Brethren. Such a Home will become the pride of the Order and receive the blessings of Almighty God. Past Grand Master Noah M. Givan First President of the Masonic Home of Missouri

A History of the Masonic Home of Missouri The Grand Lodge of Missouri

The first Masonic Lodge established in what is now Missouri was constituted November 14, 1807, under warrant issued by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. Louisiana Lodge No. 109 was established in St. Genevieve, Territory of Louisiana, with Aaron Elliott, Master, Andrew Henry, Senior Warden, and George Bullitt, Junior Warden. On September 15, 1808, the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania granted a warrant to Meriwether Lewis, Master, Thomas F. Riddick, Senior Warden, and Rufus Easton, Junior Warden, for Saint Louis Lodge No. 111.

The first Grand Lodge Annual Communication was held in St. Louis, Missouri on February 22, 1821.

This first session was organized by three Lodges granted charters by the Grand Lodge of Tennessee: Missouri Lodge No. 12, in St. Louis, chartered October 8, 1816, Joachim Lodge No. 25, at Herculaneum, chartered October 5, 1819, and St. Charles Lodge No. 28, chartered October 5, 1819. On April 21, 1821 the Grand Lodge of Missouri, A.F. & A.M. was organized, and the original constitution and by-laws were adopted. Most Worshipful Grand Master Thomas F. Riddick was elected as this session. Most Worshipful Brother Thomas F. Riddick was a member of the committee that petitioned for the establishment of Louisiana Lodge No. 109, and he would later become known as the Father of the Missouri Public School System.

The first installation of Missouri Grand Lodge Officers was held on May 4, 1821. Soon after the installation of the Grand Lodge Officers, Missouri officially became the Twenty-Fourth (24th) State in our Nation on August 10, 1821. The First Governor of Missouri, Alexander McNair, held membership as a Freemason.

An Idea Begins

At Grand Lodge Annual Communication in the fall of 1875, John C. Ralls introduced a resolution that was adopted recommending: “a select Committee be appointed to enquire into, and report upon, the expediency and necessity of making suitable provision for the erection of a “Home” for the indigent widows and minors (orphans) of worthy (deceased) Master Masons...to be located in some suitable and healthy place.”

Various calls for action were made over the next decade. At Annual Communication in October 1885, Grand Master Stevenson forcibly stated the following:

46 Masons were dependent, in whole or in part, upon their respective lodges 101 widows of Master Masons are under similar circumstances 82 orphaned children are receiving some attention from the Craft 37 out of the 147 aged persons are reported as only able to attend to personal necessities

“These are your brothers, your widows, and your orphans in charge. If you take them in the manner proposed, duty will not permit you, by acts of omission, to suffer them again to fall upon the cold charities of the world around them. Now is the time for you to determine what duty requires of you.”

The Committee Rev. Dr. C.C. Woods similar institutions in to generally gather all

on Masonic Home was formed at Annual Communication that year, with serving as Chairman. The committee was authorized and directed to visit other jurisdictions, to look into incorporation issues, resources needed, and necessary information to present to the Craft for their careful consideration.

Fundraising Begins in Earnest

In 1886, the Masonic Home of Missouri ceased to be just an idea passionately fought for by its founding fathers; the Masonic Home of Missouri became incorporated under Missouri Laws. The first Board of Directors was elected at Annual Communication with Noah M. Givan elected as President. In addition, the Grand Lodge adopted a resolution “that the sum of $10,000.00 be pledged by this Grand Lodge, out of securities now on hand, for the Masonic Home”.

John R. Parson was instrumental in raising funds for the establishment of the Home as Chairman of the Triennial Committee of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar, which was holding their meeting in St. Louis, Missouri. He organized a Grand Concert held at the Fair Grounds on Wednesday, September 21, 1886, for the benefit of the Masonic Home in Missouri. They raised the generous sum of $35,000.00, which became the nucleus for the Masonic Home building fund.

In 1887, President Givan reported to the Grand Lodge that Lodges, Chapters, Commanderies, and individuals had subscriptions totaling $24,942.00. Grand Chapter had also pledged a sum of $2,500.00. As Brother Givan stated, the funds were now available “for immediate use in securing property for the Home and in putting in operation the long cherished enterprise.”

A Location for the Home is Chosen

Following Annual Communication in 1888, the committee appointed to select a location for the Home acquired a site at the edge of St. Louis at a price of $40,000.00. The property consisted of fifteen acres near Forest Park which at the time was considered to be in the country. The only transportation to the Home at the time of purchase was the “narrow gauge R.R.” that ran on what would become the Hodiamont Street car tracks. Delmar and Union Boulevards did not exist, and it would be later that Enright Avenue would open. Initially, Enright Avenue would be known as Von Versen Avenue; the name would change to Enright Avenue during World War I.

The property had a two and a half story brick mansion with about 20 rooms, a good sized barn and a gardener’s cottage. The grounds extended north to Smith Academy, and contained an apple orchard. The grounds to the west contained a garden and vineyard. It is this area that would later be developed for the “old people’s building” and the power house.

First Superintendent

The Board of Directors hired medical doctor, Morris Leftwich, and his wife, Ella D. Leftwich, as the Home’s first Superintendent and Matron, and they were placed in charge on April 1, 1889. They moved to the property located on Delmar, bringing with them their much needed expertise to set up and operate the Home. In addition, they furnished the Home with all of their own furniture.

Dr. and Mrs. Leftwich valued education, household chores, recreational activities and social obligations.

The children that lived in the Home would attend public schools during the day, then return to the Home to help in the kitchen or with the yard and building maintenance. They went on picnics and to fairs, played games and took up hobbies. Dr. and Mrs. Leftwich raised money for an organ and musical training, beginning the tradition of instruments and music as part of the daily life in the Home. Many of the children participated by singing in a choir and even played in an orchestra. Especially talented children would receive specialized training underwritten by Masonic Lodges and Eastern Star Chapters.

Dr. Leftwich resigned from his position with the Home a few months prior to his passing on December 4, 1898. Their skills and compassion would set a standard in raising children and caring for the elderly that would become the foundation for the Home in the years to come.

These portraits were part of booklet published in 1898 for the “Benefit of Musical Training for the Children of the Home�, by Dr. Morris Leftwich, Superintendent.

This picture is from a booklet published in 1898 for the “Benefit of Musical Training for the Children of the Home�, by Dr. Morris Leftwich, Superintendent.

Dedication

On June 15, 1889, the day began with a procession: “the Grand Lodge moved in the usual order, and, after a parade on the streets, with one thousand Masons in line, led by two hundred and fifty Templars, forming a splendid escort, the Fraternity embarked upon the cars prepared for their accommodation and proceeded to the grounds of the Home. Thousands of Masons, citizens and ladies had gathered to witness the ceremonies, hear the addresses, and encourage the new enterprise by their presence.”

Grand Master James P. Wood convened a special session of the Grand Lodge to dedicate the Masonic Home. President of the Home, Noah Givan, reported “God smiled upon us by giving us a pleasant day of sunshine without, and joy and gladness within.”

John Parson, Chairman, along with John D. Vincil, Secretary, were appointed to the committee responsible for soliciting the Lodges to sell tickets and furnish refreshments to sell for the benefit of the Home. With the “earnest and enthusiastic support of all the Masonic Bodies in and near St. Louis, including the Chapters of the Eastern Star” the entertainment provided raised over $7,000.00.

The Early Years

For some time after the Home was opened, there were no residents. Then on July 12, 1889, the Masonic Home welcomed its first child into the Home’s family. She was a young girl named Della Gale Farthing, age 12, from Greenville, Missouri. She was admitted on the application of Greenville Lodge No. 446. After a while, those in need began to come in earnest.

By the year 1890, the 25 people living at the Masonic Home had running water, electricity and indoor plumbing. In addition to these technological advancements, the Home was beginning to struggle to find space for all those in need. In 1891, the Home was forced to convert the large brick barn into a dining room, chapel, kitchen, supply room and play rooms. The coal house would be converted into dormitories.

A year later, the Home would have to expand again building an eighteen room brick building for the adults, thereby separating the children’s living quarters from those for adults. This structure would later be converted into a hospital.

Early Financial Support

For several years after the Home opened, it was dependent upon voluntary donations from the Masonic Bodies and individual donor support. At Grand Lodge Annual Communication in 1891, it was decided to have all the Lodges in the State contribute 50 cents annual per capita dues for each member for the support of the Home.

Board Member V.O. Saunders would later write: “The sentiment in favor of the Home was not unanimous; some of the Brethren did not know whether the kite was going to fly or not, and they were not anxious to take hold of the string, but when the Grand Lodge gave the Home a stipulated amount, by voting a fifty cent annual per capita dues for each Mason in Missouri, the mist rolled away, and some who had opposed, were willing to serve as Directors on the Board.�

The Order of the Eastern Star would also begin to contribute 25 cents annual per capita dues for each member in 1904.

Second Stage of the Home

Private individuals came to the aid of the Home in 1895 and gave two cottages that were moved to the property. One frame cottage was converted into a residency hall for the 13 elderly ladies. The second cottage was smaller, so it became a house for the 7 older Brethren. By moving the elderly to these two new structures, the previous eighteen room brick building for adults could be converted to house the 28 boys, leaving the 43 girls in the original residence hall.

On May 27, 1896 a devastating cyclone struck St. Louis. Considerable damage was done to the Home property. The tornado pulled the roof off the barn structure that had been converted to the dining room and chapel, causing not only considerable damage but also a great inconvenience. However, the Home was spared the full impact of the storm for which all were most grateful.

In 1897, improvements were made to the hospital; the plumbing was remodeled for sanitization, and the old dining room was repaired and converted into a study and play rooms. A new three story brick building was erected in back of the Old Mansion. A new dining room occupied almost the entire first floor, the second floor contained 9 dormitories and two nurseries, and the third floor was designed for 15 dormitories.

This picture is from a booklet published in 1898 for the “Benefit of Musical Training for the Children of the Home�, by Dr. Morris Leftwich, Superintendent.

This picture is from a booklet published in 1898 for the “Benefit of Musical Training for the Children of the Home�, by Dr. Morris Leftwich, Superintendent.

The First Chapel

At the 20th Annual Grand Chapter Session of the Order of the Eastern Star held in Chillicothe in October 1894, Past Grand Master and then current Grand Secretary John D. Vincil, the first Worthy Grand Patron of the Grand Chapter of Missouri, Order of the Eastern Star, advised those in attendance of the need for a chapel at the Masonic Home. The Grand Chapter appropriated $500 to begin the fundraising efforts. When the members returned home, they reported the need to their Chapters and interest was awakened throughout the state.

The plans for the chapel with a 500 seating capacity were drawn by Brother G. U. Heimberger, and the cost was $3,533.00 to build the chapel. At the time of its construction, it was reported to have been the only Eastern Star Chapel in the world. On October 21, 1897, the Chapel was dedicated by Grand Master B. Tygard and Grand Lodge officers. The following words were spoken by the Worthy Grand Matron in her address at the dedication ceremony:

It is a building dedicated to God, for the edification and happiness of the orphans and the aged, who are under the protecting wings of the noblest order on earth.

The Chapel Art Glass Windows

The large Eastern Star Window in the east was donated by the children of the Home. The money to purchase the art glass was raised by the children giving musical concerts. They also gave an additional $339.95 toward the building of the chapel. On either side of the children’s window sat “Repose in Egypt” donated by Moolah Temple, St. Louis, and “Christ Blessing the Children” donated by Ascalon Commandery No. 16, K.T. Other known sponsored windows include:

In the east:

“Martha” donated by the Matron of the Home, Ella D. Leftwich

“Ruth” donated by Lorraine J. Pitkin, Worthy Grand Secretary of the General Grand Chapter & Sallie E. Dillon, Grand Secretary of Missouri, Order of the Eastern Star

In the west:

In the north: “The Ascension” donated by St. Louis Commandery No. 1, K.T.

“The Guardian Angel” donated by Missouri Lodge No. 1

“The Open Bible” donated by Polar Star Rose Hill No. 79

In the south: “The Burning Bush” donated by Missouri Chapter No. 8, R.A.M.

“Esther” donated by Nellie D. Hamilton, Past Grand Matron

This picture is from a booklet published in 1898 for the “Benefit of Musical Training for the Children of the Home�, by Dr. Morris Leftwich, Superintendent.

Interior view of the Order of the Eastern Star Chapel, published in the Views and Historical Sketch of the Masonic Home of Missouri.

The 1900s

In the early 1900s, Delmar Boulevard was becoming a bustling thoroughfare. A streetcar ran downtown and Forest Park was nearby. By 1903, the Endowment Fund for the Home passed $100,000.00. It was also during this year that the portion of the property north of Enright Avenue was sold to Smith Academy, the boy’s Preparatory School of Washington University, for $50,000.00. This was a considerable sum of money particularly considering the Home had purchased the entire site 15 years prior for $40,000.00. However, the plot contained the apple orchard, which was entirely cut down, much to the dismay of the children living in the Home.

One of the most exciting events was the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, which would be held just down the street from the Home. The Fair displayed the latest inventions, recreated foreign villages, mounted pageants and battles, landscaped Forest Park, and generally offered its visitors the wonders of the world. Realizing the quality of education and entertainment, the Home began amassing $290 in 1903 from the Grand Lodge, the Grand Chapter, Lodges, and individuals. This fundraising effort would give 43 girls, 36 boys, 34 men and 33 women residents the opportunity to visit the Fair. However, the St. Louis World’s Fair did have a negative impact on the Home. The cost for labor and materials became extremely costly due to the building activities related to the Fair, causing the Home to experience delays in several new building projects necessary to ease the overcrowding due to continued growth and demand.

The Home Continues to Expand

Despite the delays caused by the St. Louis World’s Fair, the Home was able to complete a new building for the “old folks” and had it ready for occupancy on March 1, 1906. This much needed addition to the Home was furnished by the Order of the Eastern Star, and allowed the Home to increase its elderly population from 42 to 72 residents. In 1908, the Board of Directors changed the Home’s Articles of Incorporation to expand admission to the Home to include members of the Order of the Eastern Star in recognition of their strong support and close ties to the Home. This would expand access to the Home, but it would also continue to help drive the need for additional structures to house its residents.

The Home would continue to build to meet the demands for space and facilities in which to care for its residents. On March 18, 1911, the Cornerstone of the Hospital was laid. This facility would provide space and equipment for both surgical and medical treatment. That same year, a new power house was also built.

Three years later, the Home would open the new Administration and Children’s Building. The old mansion had remained through all of this growth and change. It had been used primarily for administrative purposes at the end of its 25 years of service to the Home. However, the opening of the new Administration and Children’s Building in 1914 meant it was time to let go of the mansion, despite the strong sentimental attachments to it. This would become the first building the Masonic Home would have to let go of in order to move the charity forward to better serve the needs of the membership.

Hospital Building, 1920’s, published in Views and Historical Sketch of the Masonic Home of Missouri

Administration & Children’s Building, 1920’s, published in Views and Historical Sketch of the Masonic Home of Missouri

World War I

In the same year the Home would be celebrating the opening of its new Administration and Children’s Building, the Great War would begin and change everyone’s life. Young men living at the Home enlisted, and some would make the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Women and girls knitted. Boys sold Liberty Bonds. The Home followed the rules for rationing food, electric lights and fuel. The rule was no wheat or fuel on Monday, no meat on Tuesday and no lights or pork on Thursday.

In addition, the Home was faced with a diphtheria epidemic in 1914. The diphtheria epidemic caused a ten week quarantine of the Home, during which time none of the children attended school. At the end of the war, the Home would face another terrifying influenza epidemic from 1918-1919. The influenza epidemic again caused a quarantine of the Home and placed a terrible strain on the already overextended nursing staff. Due to the war, there was a shortage in both nursing and orderly staff. In fact, the Home lost its head nurse when she left to join the American Red Cross. Despite these difficulties, not a single resident died during either epidemic.

The 1920’s

In 1924, the Order of the Eastern Star built a playground for the 136 children in the Home. That same year the O.E.S. Advisory Board would bring to the attention of the Grand Chapter concerns that the original chapel was having structural issues, such as mildewed walls and a leaking roof, along with natural decay. A letter was sent to each Chapter in the state, and it brought in response the amount of $3,286.61. The Order of the Eastern Star would continue to raise funds to build a new chapel, while also furnishing items needed in the operation of the Home.

In 1926, the children would have the extraordinary treat of having a swimming pool built for them, funded

by Mrs. Rosa Graff. She built the pool in memory of her brother, Past Grand Master Jacob Lampert. He had served as Grand Master in 1912, and was a strong supporter of the Home with many donations including a final donation of $25,000.00.

During the 1928 Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge in 1928, the new Order of the Eastern Star Chapel was dedicated. All art glass had been carefully removed from the original chapel, repaired as needed, and installed, along with 7 new pieces. This new chapel cost $85,000-$90,000 was again funded by the Order of the Eastern Star Chapters and Clubs. It was built on the foundation of the original chapel with a seating capacity of 450 and a children’s platform of 140. The architect was Brother H.L. Clymer.

Playground for the Children in the Home

The Jacob Lambert Memorial Pool

Order of the Eastern Star Chapel built in 1928

1938 Women’s Building (Enright Avenue view of the Women’s Building)

The Great Depression

A year after the Chapel was dedicated, life would once again dramatically change. On October 29, 1929, the stock market crashed. The Board of Directors for the Home tried to shield the residents from the crisis.

The Home would continue to feed, clothe and house its residents, but building maintenance was deferred and operating costs were cut by 20 percent to stretch the budget.

The Home found itself quickly outgrowing its space due to the increasing demand. By 1933, the Home would reach its largest resident population in its history—451 children, men and women The Board tried to send people back to the Lodges for local care and encouraged Lodges and individual Masons to offer jobs to younger unemployed members. Still, there were adults living in the hospital waiting for rooms in the residence halls.

The boys crowded into the basement of one building. There was simply no room, so the Board of Directors courageously began a building campaign in the middle of the Great Depression.

In 1938, the Home would open a nine-story brick Women’s Building. A typical floor contained 15 single bedrooms with built-in closets and hot and cold water, a parlor and solarium, and the necessary toilet, bath and service rooms. This dormitory-style building had rooms for 105 women and a community kitchen and dining room.

The Great Depression Continues and World War II Begins

The Social Security Act of 1935 would establish a Federal program to provide funds for elderly workers, victims of industrial accidents, unemployment insurance, and aid for dependent mothers and children, the blind, and the physically handicapped. Prior to Social Security, the elderly routinely faced poverty once retired. This was largely alleviated with the passage of Social Security.

During this same time period, roughly 33% of the Home’s population were children. Upon the completion of the Women’s Building, the Board of Directors turned their fundraising efforts to build cottages for the new Children’s Home. When World War II began in 1939, the Home once again had to defer maintenance, because they were unable to hire skilled labor or purchase building materials. The Order of the Eastern Star also had to postpone purchases until they could find household furnishings again. Many of the Home’s boys would serve oversees. The Home would keep them on the residency lists, permitting them to return to the Home after the war to settle back into civilian life.

By 1942, they were still trying to raise enough money to build cottages for the new Children’s Home. Three years later, the Home was able to buy land for the cottages, while also determining that there were substantial additional projects needed: a new power plant, a new hospital, and a new men’s building.

The 1950’s

St. Louis was mirroring national changes; people who could afford it were leaving the city, moving into outlying areas creating subdivisions. The family car gave greater mobility and shifted work and recreational patterns away from mass transit, causing a need for greater road infrastructure. The need for orphanages declined, as the nation shifted to more home and family based social services.

In 1915, the Home’s population was 252, and 36% of that population was children. In 1933, the total population had grown to 451 residents and 33% were children. By 1951, the total population had decreased back to 259, but the percentage of children had fallen to 13%. The majority of residents now living in the Home were women at 65%.

This shift in the demographics caused the Home to reprioritize its needs. In 1953, the Home sold the land on which it had planned to build the children’s cottages. This money was used to help fund a new hospital building, power plant and residence hall. By 1958, the Home was able to open a ten-story residence hall and hospital. In addition, the Home purchased two apartment buildings and renovated them for staff housing.

The Masonic Hospital and Residential Hall opened in 1958.

1960’s & 1970’s

St. Louis continued to change, as did a nation in the midst of the Vietnam War. Americans continued to move to the suburbs, and the neighborhood around the Home began changing. Those moving into the Delmar area were not able or not willing to maintain the grandeur that had previously been so prevalent. By 1969, the Board of Directors decided to look into relocation rather than building or renovating the campus on Delmar Boulevard.

However, this did not stop the care and extra attention given to those living at the Home. In May 1969, the Order of the Eastern Star arranged for all 27 children living at the Home to fly to Philadelphia and Washington DC. Missouri Senator Stuart Symington met the children and gave them an American flag that had flown over the U.S. Capitol. The Home displayed that flag in the Administration Building for many years.

By 1974, the relocation study concluded that the Home should continue to operate the St. Louis facility and recommended adding a new facility in Kansas City. The study indicated that most of the residents living at the Delmar campus were from the St. Louis area, which meant that the Home was not serving Masons statewide.

Adding a facility in Kansas City would provide a Masonic Home in each primary population center.

Planning for the Western Unit

The 1974 relocation study indicated that the Western Unit should be located just south of Kansas City in the 59th Masonic District. Efforts were started to locate a suitable site. In 1976, the 26-acre site on Bannister Road was acquired in the very heart of the area determined in the study. An architectural firm in Kansas City was acquired to do preliminary studies as to concept and cost to enable a fundraising campaign to begin.

The first delay would occur in 1977, when a cost study and investigation for both on-site and off-site improvements revealed the need for a zoning change. After rezoning was initially denied, a vigorous appeal to the City Council was made and won in October 1978. Once basic plans were formulated, the decision was made to begin the fundraising campaign at the Grand Lodge Annual Communication in September 1979. The original fundraising goal was $20 million dollars; $5 million to build the structure and $15 million to serve as an immediate endowment fund. The initial fundraising efforts were not as successful as hoped, so the Board sought professional fundraising knowledge. These companies would all indicate that additional education of the Craft was needed to move the project and fundraising efforts forward.

The Western Unit

On May 6, 1984, the ground breaking for the new Home in Kansas City would be held. Vern Schneider, then Deputy Grand Master and President of the Masonic Home, told the audience of roughly 400 “Today we are witness to a magnificent demonstration of the unity of purpose which prevails in our great Fraternity…”

The new assisted living facility was to be a one-story brick building with a center commons area that would include a reception area, administrative offices, doctor’s examination room, nurses station, beauty & barber shop, snack room, dinning room and multi-purpose areas. The facility would have two wings for resident’s rooms, and it could be home to 40 residents. Additional wings could be added later to the structure if there was need. The Cornerstone laying would take place on September 15, 1985. The facility opened June 27, 1986, and the first resident entered on July 8, 1986.

The Order of the Eastern Star would again play an important role in bringing the Western Unit into reality.

They contributed kitchen equipment, quilts, televisions with stands, and once again they would ensure that there was a chapel for the residents. On July 27, 1986 the Cornerstone for the O.E.S. Chapel and multi-purpose addition was laid. This chapel was funded entirely by the Order of the Eastern Star.

Western Unit, Kansas City opened 1986

Closing the Delmar Campus

In 1989, the Delmar Campus would celebrate its 100 years of dedicated service to Missouri Masons, widows, Order of the Eastern Star members and children. Despite this joyous and momentous occasion, there were serious concerns the Board of Directors had to address. After being a home to 912 children, the last child had left the Home in 1981. The neighborhood around the facility had seen decline, which caused significant safety concerns for residents, staff, and visitors. The building structures were inadequate, inefficient and not up to the standards needed to provide the quality of care the Home wished to maintain. Due to the outdated nature of the structures, it made compliance with government regulations difficult. At the same time there were increasing costs to provide care and maintain the infrastructure, there was a decrease in revenue and a decrease in the number of residents wanting to move to the facility.

The Masonic Home of Missouri’s Board of Directors made the difficult decision to close the facility and relocate the residents living there. The Life Care Program, an asset turnover program, was discontinued. On December 30, 1991 the Masonic Home sold the property to the State of Missouri. When the State tore down the buildings, the Order of the Eastern Star paid $21,000 to remove the art glass from the Chapel for preservation and possible future usage or display. In Celebration of the Home’s 125th Anniversary, pieces of that art glass have been restored and are now displayed at the Masonic Complex.

Outreach Program Begins

The Board of Directors recognized that the cost of providing long-term care was increasing dramatically.

They also recognized that only a small portion of the Masonic family was being served. People were no longer willing to leave their families and communities to move to the Home. In response, the Home adjusted once again to meet the ever-changing needs of the membership. The Outreach Program was developed. This was a needbased financial assistance program that could help Missouri Masons, their wives, widows and female members of the Order of the Eastern Star in their own homes and communities. The first client was assisted through the Outreach Program in 1991.

The Outreach Program would grow and evolve, as the Masonic Home had always done to meet the changing needs of the membership. In 2003, the Masonic Home would once again get back to its original mission and begin helping children. Within the Outreach Program, Children’s Outreach and Creating-A-Partnership Programs would begin. The Children’s Outreach Program is a financial assistance program for the dependent children of Missouri Masons and Missouri Order of the Eastern Star members. The Creating-A-Partnership program was designed to help children in need throughout the State through a partnership with Missouri Lodges and Chapters.

Masonic Complex

In 2000, the Board of Directors decided to sell the Masonic Home office building, located in Chesterfield, Missouri. The decision was made to move the Masonic Home of Missouri’s corporate office to Columbia, Missouri.

On March 23, 2002 the groundbreaking for the Masonic Complex would take place. The Masonic Complex was designed to house the administrative offices of the Masonic Home of Missouri, the Grand Lodge of Missouri and a Masonic Library and Museum. The Dedication for the Masonic Complex was held on June 14, 2003. The Masonic Home completed the Masonic Museum with a Grand Opening on February 23, 2008. The permanent 5-themed gallery is a tribute to the history of Freemasonry in Missouri; it is a walk through time showcasing all aspects of Freemasonry and the evolution of the Masonic Home.

In August 2012, the Missouri Lodge of Research entered into an agreement with the Masonic Home to utilize the space directly across from the museum to start the Missouri Masonic Research Library. The Order of the Eastern Star would also enter into an agreement with the Masonic Home to join the Masonic Complex in December 2012, building office space in the lower level of the Complex.

Masonic Complex, Columbia opened 2003

Challenges for the Western Unit

When the Delmar Campus closed, the majority of the residents were relocated to facilities in St. Louis, Missouri. Some of the residents who were able to live in assisted living were given the opportunity to move to the Western Unit. Despite the residents that made the move from St. Louis to Kansas City, the census at the Western Unit would continue to struggle to reach capacity.

In September 2002, eligibility requirements were expanded for private pay residents. Missouri Master Masons and female members of the Order of the Eastern Star could make application for admission on be half of their mothers, fathers, stepmothers, stepfathers, sisters and brothers. In a further attempt to make the facility more attractive to potential residents several of the single rooms were converted to suites. Once again, the Masonic Home’s Board of Directors was struggling to maintain a facility in need of updates, remodeling and repairs while the demand for the service had simply failed to present itself. At the same time, the Outreach Program was helping more people more cost effectively statewide. The Board of Directors made the difficult decision to sell the facility to a Mason-owned Missouri-based long-term care company, Americare. At the time of the sale, June 30, 2011, the now 36 bed facility had only 29 rooms occupied. The Masonic Home of Missouri continues to financially assist the Outreach clients who remained at the facility after ownership changed.

Expansion of the Outreach Programs

In September 2011, the Outreach Program would be expanded and redefined. The name “Outreach Program” no longer defined a single program, rather it had become the name of eight distinct programs, both financial and non-financial.

Long-Term Financial Assistance

The program the most closely resembling the original Outreach Program was redefined as the LongTerm Financial Assistance Program. This program provides financial assistance for primarily elderly Missouri Masons, their wives, honored widows and female members of the Order of the Eastern Star. This assistance can help clients each month remain living in a facility, such as an assisted living facility or independent living facility, or help them in their home or apartment. This program also assists some of our elderly clients year after year with annual or semi-annual payments, such as insurance payments. The need to assist elderly members who had outlived their resources remained the primary need for the Home’s assistance since the 1950’s. In addition, the greatest need for the Home’s assistance has continued to be women. The Masonic Home’s Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2013 showed that 67 percent of all clients receiving assistance were widows and female members of the Order of the Eastern Star. The Masonic Home may no longer operate a facility, but in Fiscal Year 2013, 59 percent of the assistance provided through the Long-Term Financial Assistance Program helped clients in need remain in the facility of their choice in their own communities close to family, friends and their Lodges or Chapters.

Clients assisted through the Long-Term Financial Assistance Program

Short-Term Financial Assistance

As the campus on Delmar had changed over the years, the demand moved it toward assisted living and skilled nursing care. By the time the last child left the Home in 1981, the Masonic Home had become a place mainly known as a home for the indigent elderly. The Masonic Home was not able to help a younger member in need, because the only thing available to offer was a facility. This would change with the creation of the Outreach Program.

As the Outreach Program began to grow, the Masonic Home began receiving requests for assistance from younger members. These younger members found themselves in financial distress for a variety of reasons, but often it was due to a medical crisis or unexpected hardship, such as loss of employment. The Outreach Program began to assist these younger Masons, their wives, or honored widows, and female members of Order of the Eastern Star, but there was a growing recognition that this assistance should be different than what was being provided on a long-term on-going basis to our elderly members. The Short-Term Assistance Program can help younger members in need by providing monthly assistance or one-time payments for expenses such as utilities, but this assistance typically lasts 6 months or less.

Clients assisted through the Short-Term Financial Assistance Program

Children’s Outreach Program

The Children’s Outreach Program began in 2003 with the request for assistance for a little girl named Danielle Roeder, who was only 4 years old. When the Home first met Danielle, she had significant disabilities and doctors were unable to diagnose the cause. She was in need of adaptive medical equipment not covered by her parents’ health insurance. The Masonic Home would initially provide the assistance through the Outreach Program, but there was a recognition of a need and an opportunity for the Home to return to its original mission built on helping children. Danielle would later be diagnosed with a child’s version of Parkinson’s Disease, which was treatable through medication. Although her need for the Home’s assistance was thankfully short due to this miraculous discovery and treatment, she helped to forever change how the Masonic Home would once again look at helping Masonic children.

The first true expansion of the Outreach Program would be born out of this recognition of need, and the Children’s Outreach Program would be created focused specifically on helping dependent children of Missouri Master Masons and female members of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Children’s Outreach Program

Danielle when the Home first got to meet her ‌.

Danielle today

Creating-A-Partnership

The Creating-A-Partnership Program (CAP) would also begin in 2003. This program would begin with the intent to partner with Missouri Lodges and Chapters to provide assistance to children in need within their communities. The Lodges and Chapters would work with their local schools to identify specific children in need of such things as hats, coats, backpacks and school supplies. The request for items would be submitted to the Home for funding up to $2,500 per school per fiscal year. As this program grew, there were significant concerns that began to arise. In 2009, the CAP program would be changed to address these concerns. The funding for the program would change to require matching funds from the Lodge or Chapter. The Home would match dollar for dollar up to $2,500 per Lodge or Chapter per the Home’s fiscal year. This refocus on the true intent of the program, which was to partner with the local Lodges and Chapters, eliminated the concerns that had been building within this program.

In September 2011, the CAP program would be expanded to give Lodges and Chapters greater flexibility to identify the need in their community. The Lodges and Chapters could continue to work with schools to identify children in need, but they could also provide funding for projects. This change came after listening to a request from a local Lodge. They requested funding for backpacks for a program called the Buddy-Backpack program, but not for specific children. These backpacks were used to send food home with children on the weekends who might not otherwise have food. Through the untied efforts of the local Lodges, Chapters and the Masonic Home, thousands of children are being helped statewide each year.

Partnering to Make a Difference in a Child’s Life

Non-Financial Assistance Programs

The Masonic Home has always been about more than buildings and financial assistance. The Masonic Home at its very core has been about helping people, and the non-financial assistance programs are further expansion of how the Home tries to fulfill this need.

Social Services

The Social Services Program was the first non-financial assistance program provided by the Masonic Home, and it was formally recognized as one of the 8 programs under the Outreach Program in 2011. In addition to providing financial assistance to clients, Financial Assistance Caseworkers also provide counseling on the social services available to the client to help them take advantage of the resources available to them in their communities.

In 2003, the Masonic Home created a Resource Directory for each Masonic District given to the local Lodges with information on services in their communities. This information is now updated and maintained on the Masonic Home’s website for the use of anyone in need of finding local resources.

Masonic Family Cares Program

The Masonic Family Cares Program was formally created in 2011. The support of the Lodges and Chapters located around the facilities in both St. Louis and Kansas City was remarkable and well known. The Masonic Home wanted to continue to foster this collaborative relationship between Lodges, Chapters and Youth Organizations, recognizing, however, that it did not have to center around a building, but should focus instead on those members in need throughout the state.

The Masonic Home has utilized the Masonic Family Cares Program to partner with the local Lodges to help financial assistance clients with things such as help moving, repairing steps, cleaning a gutter or simply needing a visit from a local Lodge or Chapter member. Many Lodges link this program with the Widow’s Program, by visiting their widows, bringing them Christmas baskets and offering assistance to provide basic home repairs.

Lodge members have said more than once that this program is simply doing what Masons do —helping one another.

Widows Program

The Widow’s Program is another program that has been in existence for years, but it was not clearly defined as a distinct Outreach Program until 2011. The Masonic Home has for years tried to identify deceased Missouri Masons to send condolence cards to their families. If a widow was known, then a follow-up letter of condolence and information regarding the Home was sent.

The Home recognized that oftentimes, a Mason’s widow may not be aware of the availability of help from the Masonic Home, so in 2010 this program was expanded. The Widows Pin and Widow’s Card, a card with the widow’s deceased husband’s Masonic information, were created to be given to each widow. These provided much deserved recognition, as well as information in the event the widow ever needs assistance from the Masonic Home. The Masonic Home works with Lodges to maintain updated information on their widow’s list. This information is shared so the local Lodge and the Masonic Home can maintain contact with these honored ladies. The Masonic Home maintains contact by sending cards, such as Christmas Cards, the Missouri Outreach Magazine and various other correspondence as needed throughout the year. In addition, the Masonic Home encourages Lodges to host ladies luncheons, teas or dinners and invite the Masonic Home to come share information on the Masonic Home with their widows.

Widows Program

Widows Pin

Financial Counseling Program

The final program created under the umbrella of the Outreach Programs is the Financial Counseling Program. As the Home began assisting younger members in need, it became apparent that there was a need not only for financial relief, but also for personal finance education. Once referred into the Financial Counseling Program, clients are provided with information and education about things such as budgeting and debt management.

Although the Financial Counseling Program works in conjunction with the financial assistance programs, it also can help those who are simply in need of a better understanding of their financial situation or those planning to make major changes in their lifestyle, such as a move to a long-term care facility. This might be a widow whose husband had always managed the finances, but now she needs help understanding benefits, budgeting or the financial implications of different long-term care living options available.

The Financial Counseling Program has also developed a presentation geared toward the Youth Organizations.

The presentation is to help older children and young adults better understand personal finance and covers topics such as budgeting, credit card usage and predatory lending. This is one more program the Home has developed to strengthen its commitment to helping our Masonic youth.

Brotherly Love, Relief & Charity

In 1890, John D. Vincil said in part: Born of sympathy, founded in love, and lives in the hearts and prayers of the good and true.

One of the sweetest as well as one of the dearest of all words in our language is “HOME”.

Around it and about it are entwined the tenderest emotions of the human heart. What an inspiration it is to us, to come in contact with men who are dedicated to the cause of humanity.

The Masonic Home was, and will always be, more than a building. It was and is an answered prayer for those in great distress who had no place to turn for help. The work of this great charity has spanned 125 years, seeing extraordinary changes in our country and adapting to meet the ever-changing needs of its membership.

The Masonic Home is no longer restricted to the walls of buildings. It reaches out into the homes of the members assisted throughout the state. The Masonic Home is present in every community where a Lodge or Chapter is working in partnership with the Home’s Outreach Programs. It continues to answer the call of those in great distress, and it continues to provide inspiration to those dedicated to the cause of humanity.

1889 Board of Directors R.E. Anderson, Hannibal , Jos. S. Browne, St. Joseph, S.C. Bunn, St. Louis, Noah M. Givan, Harrisonville, Sam M. Kennard, St. Louis, W. H. Mayo, St. Louis, John R. Parson, St. Louis, R.Q. Roache, California, V.O. Saunders, St. Louis, F.J. Tygard, Butler, John D. Vincil, St. Louis, Wm. M. Williams, Booneville Officers: Noah M. Givan, President, John D. Vincil, Vice President, S.C. Bunn, Secretary, F.J. Tygard, Treasure, Morris Leftwich, Superintendent

2014 Board of Directors Keith M. Bail, Boonville, William J. Bowser, St. Joseph, Jon B. Broyles, Kirksville, Steven D. Duncan, Jefferson City, Chris T. Harrelson, Raymore, David W. Haywood, Fenton, Ronald D. Jones, Odessa, Jeffrey D. Lee, Rogersville, Richard L. Smith, St. Louis, H. Lee Stallings, Sikeston, C. Brent Stewart, Columbia, Dan Ward, Farmington, Charlie Wiegert, St. Louis Officers: Jon B. Broyles, Honorary Chairman, David W. Haywood, President, C. Brent Stewart, Vice President, Richard L. Smith, Secretary, Ronald D. Jones, Treasurer, Barbara Ramsey, Executive Director

Acknowledgements

The Masonic Home of Missouri was founded by remarkable men of leadership within the Grand Lodge of Missouri. Since its inception, there have been many challenges and difficult decisions made by the members that served on its Board of Directors. To each Board Member that has dedicated his time and talents to the Masonic Home, we all owe a great debt of gratitude.

Dr. and Mrs. Leftwich established what would become a strong foundation of dedicated service to the Home by the staff fortunate to work for this great organization. To those who came before us, I would like to say thank you for the extraordinary care you gave and to the amazing staff currently working for the Home - your dedication, expertise and compassion is an inspiration.

The Masonic Home is one of the Grand Lodge’s great charities. I would like to say a special thank you to another one - the Missouri Lodge of Research. The Missouri Masonic Research Library located in the Masonic Complex and their digital library online were utilized to help compile the information contained in this book.

In addition, the Masonic Home’s collection of books and records helped to provide much of the history of the Home. Thank you to those who have donated these resources, along with those who have carefully cared for their preservation, so we can continue to learn about our shared history.

Acknowledgements continued

As part of the celebration for the 125th Anniversary, the Masonic Home of Missouri sought to have art glass from the Chapels in St. Louis restored. Nine windows were selected and the following organizations sponsored the restoration of these windows, so they may once again be brought out into the light and shared by all as a reminder of our shared history: Bohnomme Lodge No. 45, Order of the Eastern Star, Job’s Daughters, St. Louis Missouri Lodge No. 1, Tuscan Lodge No. 360, Moolah Shrine, and two private donors. These windows remind us of the unity of the Masonic Family coming together to support the Home, which has been replicated once again by the various donors who have stepped forward to provide funding for restoration.

The Masonic Home has been blessed by the generous support of Lodges, Chapters, individuals, and businesses throughout its long history. Continued support is needed to sustain and grow this great charity for future generations. V.O. Saunders wrote in the 1920’s, “God has set the hand of His approval on our work; the work that we have accomplished is an incentive that ought to lead us to a greater work and give incentive to those who follow us.”

Thank you for celebrating the Home’s 125 years of remarkable history. I invite you to join with us as this great charity moves forward to meet the needs of the generations to come.

Barbara Ramsey Executive Director