HONORING OUR BROTHERS AT FORT DES MOINES: A Masonic Legacy Remembered and Rekindled

The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Iowa is proud to share an extraordinary moment in American—and Masonic—history.

From L to R top row are Attorney JB Morrison of Des Moines. Hal Short of Iowa City, Walter Hutchinson, northern agent for Tuskegee Institute, Des Moines; HS Wilson of Des Moines, A Richmond, Des Moines; JO Redmon of Colfax; Mr. Campbell of Iowa City. Lower row beginning at left: CN Howard, Des Moines; Jesse A Graves, Des Moines; Dr. AJ Booker, Des Moines; Attorney S. Joe Brown, Des Moines; Harry Short, Iowa City; VL Jones, Des Moines; EH Colbert, Iowa City,

On June 14, 2025, a new historic marker will be unveiled at Fort Des Moines, commemorating its vital role as the only officer training site for African American soldiers in World War I and the first training ground for WAAC (Women's Army Auxiliary Corps) officers in World War II. This event holds particular significance for the Prince Hall Masonic family.

In the 1917 publication History and Views of Fort Des Moines Officers Training Camp, compiled by our own Past Grand Master John L. Thompson, 97 trainees self-identified as Prince Hall Masons from across the United States. These men trained not just to serve their country—but to lead it.

One of those leaders was S. Joe Brown, a proud Iowan, U.S. Army officer, civil rights advocate, and Past Grand Master of the MWPHGLIA. He also founded the Des Moines Branch of the NAACP. His dual legacy of Masonic excellence and community leadership reminds us of what Prince Hall Masons have always stood for: service, truth, and brotherhood.

📅 Join Us

We invite our brothers, sisters, families, and friends to attend the Fort Des Moines Historic Marker Unveiling and help us honor those whose light shone brightest in one of America’s most trying hours.

🗓️ Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025📍 Location: Fort Des Moines Historic Site, Des Moines, Iowa⏱️ 1 PM ]📩 RSVP here: https://www.naacpdesmoines.org/events-1/fort-des-moines-historic-marker-unveiling

🔍 Looking Ahead: Preserving Masonic Legacy Through a National Exhibit

In celebration of this milestone and in honor of the 97 Masonic officers who stepped forward at Fort Des Moines, MWPHGLIA is launching a national initiative to collaborate with Prince Hall jurisdictions across the country to develop a permanent Masonic exhibit at the Fort Des Moines Museum.

This exhibit will be formally unveiled at the Midwest Regional Conference in 2027 and will feature artifacts, photos, and stories documenting the presence and impact of Masons during this defining chapter in U.S. history.

We believe that every jurisdiction should have the opportunity to ensure their local legacy is represented.

If your grand lodge had members at Fort Des Moines—or if you are interested in supporting this effort—please email us at: princehallgrandlodgeofiowa@gmail.com

We are making available a list of the 97 self-identified Masonic trainees from the 1917 publication for those conducting historical research or genealogical inquiries.

Together, we carry the weight of our past—and the torch for our future.

Let us honor our brothers by preserving their legacy with intention, pride, and unity.