Valley Lodge earns state award; Livermore continues family tradition of service
Don Harrold, Executive Editor
editor@enterprisepub.com
David Livermore’s father introduced him to Masonry in 1983. More than four decades later, the lessons about serving his community remain central to his work as he takes office as Iowa’s junior grand steward.
“He was basically my mentor when I first started in Masonry,” Livermore said. “He taught me the responsibility to the community. And, what we do for the community.”
Livermore became junior grand steward during the Grand Lodge of Iowa’s 182nd Annual Communication in Bettendorf. Missouri Valley’s Valley Lodge also received the Grand Master’s Community Involvement Award, one of 10 lodges recognized among Iowa’s 195.
His father, Ralph A. Livermore, held several Grand Lodge offices and served as Iowa’s grand master in 1997-98. David Livermore previously served on the Grand Lodge Service Committee and became a Masonic instructor, according to John Weatherwax.
Livermore said Kim Jones, now Iowa’s grand master, selected him while preparing his officers for his year in leadership. As junior grand steward, Livermore’s responsibilities include degree work, initiations for new members and participation in rededications of schools, public buildings and Masonic temples across Iowa.
“The most impactful thing about my selection as Junior Grand Steward is that we are a charitable organization,” Livermore said.
Weatherwax said Valley Lodge supports scholarships for seniors entering trade schools or four-year colleges, Missouri Valley cleanup efforts, Backpack for Kids and Christmas for Kids at the Rand Center. Livermore described additional work with local organizations.
“We do fundraising for and support the local food pantry, and the fire department, and are very active with the chamber of commerce and support the Dock Dogs program, and the music in the park program, and more,” Livermore said.
Asked which recent effort had the greatest impact, Livermore pointed to Dock Dogs. He also described the lodge’s spring pancake breakfast and its cornhole tournament held in conjunction with the Drifters Car Show.
The tournament charges an entry fee but returns all of it as prize money, Livermore said.
“It's not really a fundraiser, but a way to get out in the community and show who we are and give back,” he said.
