Scottish Rite Express

Valley of Des Moines ---------------------------------- Orient of Iowa

April 18, 2015

Harry Staunton Barrows 

(1923-2015)

Harry Staunton Barrows was born in 1923 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He died on April 16 of congestive heart failure at his residence at Deerfield Retirement Community in Urbandale. 

 

Harry grew up in Philadelphia and was the valedictorian of his high school senior class. He attended Princeton University but while attending Princeton, the United States entered World War II. Harry joined the Army to serve in Europe as a Second Lieutenant in the Infantry. It was during this time that he met the first love of his life, "Johnny" (Viturah) who was serving in France as a military nurse. They married after the war and their 3 children, Jeff, Paul and Carl, survive them. 

 

After the war, Harry completed his degree in history at Princeton. He then entered the insurance business and ultimately became a partner and Senior Vice President at Holmes Murphy and Associates. He served as a leader in the insurance community of Des Moines, and was very involved in the Masons and Scottish Rite. Harry was a 56-year member of Moingona Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite and the Za-Ga-Zig Shrine. He received the DeMolay Legion of Honor (Honorary) for his work with Masonic youth but Harry saved a majority of his Masonic time and efforts for the Scottish Rite. He served as the Wise Master of Chapter Rose Croix and was Master of Kadosh. He was elected a Knight Commander Court of Honor in 1971 and a 33rd degree Inspector General (Honorary) in 1977. In 1987 Harry was elected an active 33rd degree Inspector General and became Sovereign Grand Inspector General for the State of Iowa and Member of the Supreme Council for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States.He held that position for 14 years. 

 

Harry lost his first love when Johnny died in 1988. He later married Betty (Betsy) Franz and she preceded him in death in 2005. He also had a short but special relationship with Margaret Cassell until her death in 2007. Harry loved to hunt and spend time outdoors. He also loved his family. In addition to his 3 sons, 8 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren survive him. They will all miss him greatly. 

 

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, April 20 at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church in West Des Moines. 

 

Memorial contributions may be sent to The Salvation Army of Des Moines and to St. Timothy's Episcopal Church in West Des Moines.

 

Sincerely & Fraternally,

Shane A. Harshbarger, 33°

Secretary/Registrar 

Scottish Rite Express

Valley of Des Moines ---------------------------------- Orient of Iowa

April 17, 2015

Harry Staunton Barrows 

(1923-2015)

The Des Moines Consistory and the Orient of Iowa are saddened to report  the passing of Harry S. Barrows, former Sovereign Grand Inspector General of Iowa.

 

Harry joined Moingona Masonic Lodge #633 in 1957 and joined the Des Moines Consistory in 1958.  He was a member of the Des Moines York Rite bodies, Za Ga Zig Shrine, High 12, and was active with Ashworth Chapter, Order of DeMolay.

 

Harry served in a variety of leadership positions in Scottish Rite including Wise Master of the Chapter Rose Croix in 1974-1976 and was Master of Kadosh in 1977.  He was invested a Knight Commander Court of Honour in 1971 and was coroneted Honorary Inspector General of the 33rd degree in 1977.  He was appointed Deputy for the Orient of Iowa in 1985 and became Sovereign Grand Inspector General for Iowa in 1987.  Harry retired as SGIG December 31, 2001 .

 

We will keep you apprised as further information becomes available regarding services.

 

Sincerely & Fraternally,

Shane A. Harshbarger, 33°

Secretary/Registrar 

Scottish Rite Express

Valley of Des Moines ---------------------------------- Orient of Iowa April 2, 2015 22 New Masters of the Royal Secret join at Spring Reunion This past weekend the Officers and members were excited to welcome 22 new Masters of the Royal Secret joining Scottish Rite at the reunion held in honor of F. Lowell Wagoner 33° and Jerry F. Monroe, 33°.  It was an exciting and busy weekend for everyone.  All of our Scottish Rite committees were hard at work but the stage crew was particularly under pressure with degree work taking place simultaneously in the Symbolic Lodge room and the Auditorium.  We had 8 members receive all 29 Scottish Rite degrees as part of the full reunion (March 13/14 & March 27/28) and 14 more join as part of the One Day class on March 28th.  Our Spring Gala featured a chicken and pork duo that was prepared in excellent fashion by Christiani's catering and was enjoyed by over 200 members and their ladies.  At our banquet, we were pleased to recognize Larry Crist, 32° KCCH as a 50 year member.  Brother Mike Fletcher, 32° KCCH introduced our special guests, the families and friends of our honorees.  Greetings were brought by Jon Wagoner, 33°, brother of Lowell, and Shirley Van Deventer, on behalf of Jerry Monroe.  It was a great evening of Masonic hospitality and fellowship. Congratulations are due to everyone who helped make this reunion a huge success.  Mark your calendars, the Fall reunion is only a short time away.  It will be held on October 30/31 and November 13/14.  We look forward to another great class and a spectacular Double Eagle Gala. Row 1: Thomas Bruce II, Jason M. Jewett, Matthew L. Zimmerman, Bryce Hildreth, Dean Schoppe, Thomas A. Pride Row 2: Austin Coulter, Gerry Miller, Kenneth Ryan, James M. Bump, José L. Latorre Sr.  Row 3: A.J. Brown, Jason Fenton, Eric Weinberg, Jon Hoffman, Edwin Rosado, K. Steven Deaton Row 4: James Olsen, Mark Kittrell, Steven Sodders, Taylor McVay, Blake Hilsabeck, Oscar McLamb