Brief History of The Daughters of Mokanna

In 1889, in Hamilton, New York, a group of Masons, whose fundamentals of character are honesty, truth, justice, equality, and brotherly love, formed a new Order embracing the ideals of Happiness, Social Enjoyment, Understanding, Sympathy, and Good Fellowship. Thus the Grotto was started.  

In 1919, several Prophets and their wives wished to form a woman's organization with the same principles. Grand Secretary Otto Hilderbrandt, Past Monarch of Rock Island, IL, along with Robert Rexdale, also of Amoo Grotto, and Carl Lundberg of Zal Grotto, Moline, IL, met with our Organizer Josephine Mace, who became our first Supreme Mighty Chosen One. It was their support that allowed Mrs. Mace’s dream to flourish, and The Daughters of Mokanna was born on June 5, 1919.  

The four original subordinate Daughters of Mokanna that opened in their respective communities were #1 – Amoo - Rock Island, IL; #2 – Mohassan - Davenport, IA; #3 – Ankara - Kansas City, MO; and #4 – Zal - Moline, IL. Together, these four subordinate chapters formed the Supreme Daughters of Mokanna. Sadly, only Mohassan #2 is active today. Through the years, the Order spread to 20 additional states and into Canada.  

The aim of the Daughters of Mokanna is to bring into closer relationship the families of Grotto members and to promote Sociability, Friendship, Charity, Education and Patriotism. The purpose of the Order is to assist and cooperate with the local Grotto in every way possible. We endeavor to make our Ceremonials full of fun to help us to forget the worries of everyday life. Above all, we strive for cheerful good fellowship and to aid and comfort one another.   

Our objectives are both social and philanthropic. Our major humanitarian work is supporting the Enchanted Lantern program through the Supreme Council M.O.V.P.E.R. Humanitarian Foundation. Additionally, we offer assistance to numerous local charities and organizations in our communities. Our members volunteer at the VA, local schools, churches, hospice, and hospitals.  We continue to donate, as the Daughters before us, to the Battered Women’s Shelter, the Serving Area Military Center, local food banks, and various local and national charities. We have sung Christmas Carols at nursing homes where our Daughters have resided. Daughters joining together and making a difference in the lives of others is, and shall always remain, our mission.  

Although the Daughters of Mokanna was originally founded for female relatives of Grotto members, time and society has allowed us to seek members who are related to a Master Mason. Ladies who are currently members of other organizations recognized by the Masonic fraternity are also eligible for membership.