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ROBERT H. BENTON 1911-1997

Grand Master of South Dakota, 1965-1966

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BIOGRAPHY

From "The First 100 Years of the Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of South Dakota, 1875-1975", Page 202:’'

Robert H. Benton was born on a homestead near Midland, Stanley County, South Dakota. At an early age he moved with his parents parents to Sioux City, Iowa. He received his elementary education in Sioux City. He moved with his parents to Chicago, Illinois, in 1922, where he attended Sabin High School. The family returned to Midland in 1926 where he finished high school. After World War II, he completed courses in merchandising and retailing at the University of Michigan.

On June 2, 1933, he married Hazel Polmateer at Martin. They have a son, Robert E, and, a daughter, Dorothy, and five grandchildren. His wife Hazel passed away in 1972. At present he 1s married to Treva Warren.

In his early years he was engaged in farming and ranching. In 1933 he joined the Red Owl Stores and retired in 1964. He later served as South Dakota State Secretary of Finance.

He became a Mason in Samaritan Lodge No. 158, Chadron, Nebraska, July 1, 1937. On May 18, 1950, he affiliated with Tin City Lodge No. 112 in Hill City, South Dakota. On December 14, 1960, he affiliated with Custer City Lodge No. 66 where he is now a member. He is a member of the Deadwood Consistory, the Black Hills Chapter, R.A.M., and Schrader Commandery, Rapid City.

He served as chairman of the Masonic Service Association during the 1966 session in Washington, D.C.

1966

When Grand Master Benton opened the ninety-second Annual Communication at Hot Springs in 1966, a special "Salute to Flag Day" was given by the Honorable Niles A. Boe, Governor of South Dakota. Although Governor Boe was not a Mason, his tribute was well received and it is interesting to note that he took time from his busy schedule to visit the Grand Lodge.

Grand Master Benton reviewed his program as presented during the year, "Masonry: A Living Force in the Community." He concluded, "To this end I ask every Mason under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of South Dakota to do his part to make Masonry a living force in the community, in the church, in the government, and in the schools."

Most Worshipful Brother John S. Rowe made his first report in the dual position of Grand Treasurer-Secretary. His report showed 165 chartered lodges and 18,901 members after a loss for the year of 282. On November 16, 1965, Hiddenwood Lodge No. 117 of Bowdle had consolidated with Selby Lodge No. 133. Brother Rowe reported further that he had sent personal letters to 214 members about to be suspended for non-payment of dues. Of these, 87 sent in their dues and were not suspended. Among the brethren who had passed on to the God in whom they first put their faith and trust were two Past Grand Masters, Charles N. Hall and Sidney C. Voorhees.

A cornerstone had been laid for a new Masonic Temple at Spearfish on May 7, 1966, by the Grand Master and his Officers.

The by-laws were changed to allow mileage to the secretaries of the constituent lodges and the annual per capita dues were raised from $2.00 to $2.25 with 25 cents to be used to defraying the expense of sending the Masonic Messenger to all South Dakota Master Masons.

Grand Masters of South Dakota