Page 20 - MFM Aug Sept 2019

A Tale of Two Square and Compass Clubs
Reid Gardiner, Editor
The Square and Compass Club exists to unite Masons at diverse and often remote locations or by unique occupations or
endeavors such as Military, scientists or law enforcement. Providing the opportunity to share in fellowship with other Masons
in a common setting, holding each other to a higher standard and encouraging philanthropic works for the community. For good
people wishing to better themselves the Square and Compass Club provides opportunity for self improvement, as its members
grow together and seek personal enlightenment. The Square and Compass Club has even been suggested as an alternative to
replace a lodge that has closed in a specifi c region, where the structure of a Lodge is no longer a viable option.
Eniwetok Proving Grounds Malmstrom Square & Compass Club
Square & Compass Club

Wherever Masons meet they often form “Square and Compass
Clubs” one such club was formed by Masons serving in the
Armed Forces stationed on Eniwetok Atoll during hydrogen
bomb tests in the 1950s, The Square and Compass Club was Malmstrom Square and Compass Club, Malmstrom
located at site “Fred” on the Lagoon side in Building 72. The AFB, Great Falls, Montana. Finding more information on
Masonic Square and Compass Card shown is on display by this Square & Compass Club has so far proved elusive. We
the Montana Masonic Foundation and the Montana Masonic
Museum. This card dates from 1956 is for the Eniwetok do know that it was in operation in 1968, when Brother
Proving Grounds Square and Compass Club was owned by Robert Coleman was stationed at Malmstrom AFB from
Bro. James Fleming, who was stationed near Eniwetok during 1967-1970. He attended Square and Compass Club
thermonuclear bomb tests. meetings on the Base. The dates of operation of this club
and when it ceased to meet have not yet been identifi ed.
The Eniwetok Proving Grounds Square and Compass Club
was located on Eniwetok (or Enewetak) Atoll one of 40 islands Most Worshipful Past Grand Master Coleman received
in its group, and forms part of in the of the Marshall Islands in his EA and FC Degree at Melrose 602, Hollywood CA
the Pacifi c Ocean. The Republic of Marshall Islands consists (now Hollywood Lodge No. 335) and was raised to the
of 29 atolls (each made up of many islets) and 5 islands, which sublime degree of a Master Mason by courtesy work at
can be divided into two island chains. Eniwetok, the northwest
most part of the Marshall Islands, lies 2,725 miles southwest Delta Lodge No. 128 for Hollywood Lodge No. 335. In
of Honolulu. The Pacifi c Proving Grounds was the name given 1983 MW Brother Bob affi liated with Loyalty No. 121.
by the United States government to a number of sites in the His father and brother became members of Hollywood
Marshall Islands and a few other sites in the Pacifi c Ocean at Lodge No. 335.
which it conducted nuclear testing between 1946 and 1962.
Between 1948 and 1962, 105 atomic tests were carried out The badge shown above is the Montana Masonic
on the Eniwetok Atoll. A total of 11 nuclear tests were also Museum collection held by the Montana Masonic
conducted on Enewetak in 1956 as part of Operation Redwing Foundation, Inc.
including an air burst from a balloon located over water.
Additional information on the Pacifi c Proving Grounds and
this Square and Compass Club can be found in the following:
“Completion Report, Operation Redwind, U.S. Atomic Energy
Commission contract AT-(29-2)-20, Pacifi c Proving Grounds,
Holmes & Narver, Inc.”

Montana Freemason Page 20 Aug/Sept 2019 Volume 95 No .6