Pick of the Month - This Old Flag - The Grand Lodge of Iowa

Masonic Library & Museum Association - MLMA

An International Organization of Librarians, Archivists, Curators, & Directors

This Old Flag

This old flag of the Civil War carries an interesting history. It was made in the year 1861 by the ladies in Marengo, and presented to Company B, 28^th Iowa Volunteers when Mr. James T. Sargent, a Master Mason, organized that Company.

In the desperate charge leading to the capture of Vicksburg, the color-bearer was wounded and fell with the flag clasped in his arms. The flag was torn by shot and shell. It is stained by the lifeblood of the color-bearer which can still be seen just to the right of the blue field at the top of the flag.

The flag was at the head of Company B that traveled nearly eight thousand miles. It was with the Iowa regiment that hewed its way to the Gulf of Mexico, sailed around the Confederacy, entered the Shenandoah Valley, and was with General Sherman on his memorable campaign.

It was in many engagements and carries the laurels of conflicts of: Port Gibson, Champion Hill, Vicksburg, Jackson, Sabine Cross Roads, Three River, Middle Bayou, Mansure, Yellow Bayou, Winchester, Fisher Hill, and Cedar Creek.

When Company B was discharged at the close of the Civil War, the members presented the flag to its organizer, Lieutenant James T. Sargent. He moved to Yankton, Dakota Territory, where the old flag appeared in many Memorial Day programs and parades

After the death of Lieutenant Sargent, his son William F. Sargent presented the flag to Oriental Consistory. It was then stored in the Masonic Temple at Yankton, SD. William F Sargent was a Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of South Dakota, A. F. & A.M.

After several discussions about the future of the flag, the Deputy of the Scottish Rite Supreme Council of South Dakota, Charles Kaufman, P.G.M., indicated he felt that the flag should go back to Iowa where it originated. Iowa Grand Secretary/Grand Librarian William R. Crawford gratefully accepted the offer. Brother Kaufman formally presented the flag with the assistance of Grand Master William Coffield and Marvin Wahlert, P.G.M. Grand Master Robert H. Erickson accepted it on behalf of the Masons of Iowa with heartfelt thanks during the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Iowa on September 17. The delegates paid tribute to the brothers from South Dakota by giving them a standing ovation in appreciation for returning this treasure to Iowa.

Civil War Flag Rededicated and Open House

The John Q. Wilds Camp No. 235 of the Department of Iowa, Sons on the Union Veterans of the Civil War conducted a Civil War Battle Flag Rededication Ceremony on the front steps of the Iowa Masonic Library and Museums on June 4. The South Dakota Scottish Rite had given the Flag to the Grand Lodge of Iowa at the Annual Communication on September 17, 2004.

The encased flag with a member of the Sons of Union Veterans

Grand Secretary William R. Crawford was Master of Ceremonies. Mary Fritz, National Chaplain of the Auxiliary of The Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War gave the Invocation. Assistant Librarian William Kreuger gave a history of the Flag. Ken Allers, Jr. who is President of the Civil War Round Table of Cedar Rapids spoke on “The Symbolism of the Flag,” followed by the Rededication Ceremony.

A number of descendants of those who fought in Company B, 28^th Iowa Volunteers were recognized for their presence.

Carpenters Union Local 308 for constructed the beautiful frame and assisted in the cost of the project. The 2004 Ladies’ Craft Sale funds also assisted in the cost of the project.

Grand Master (2005) Don Mayer welcomes everyone to the flag presentation and dedication.

The date coincided with the 50^th Anniversary of the Dedication of the Iowa Masonic Library and Museums. To commemorate that milestone, Tom Eggleston, P.G.M. and Grand Secretary emeritus spoke on the History of the Building. Following the Benediction by Mary Fritz, an Open House was held.

Be sure to visit the Museum and Library of the Grand Lodge of Iowa at:

http://showcase.netins.net/web/iowamasons/library.html