To commemorate Cedar Lodge #60’s sesquicentennial, the members threw a party at the Pontiac Grotto Hall, last Saturday. Those in attendance waxed fondly over memories and images from days gone by.
‘We are celebrating 150 years of Masonry in Clarkston, that’s the significance of tonight’s event,? said Worshipful Master Byron Morrison. ? There’s not many organizations that can celebrate 150 years of anything.?
It has been 150 years since the Free and Accepted Masons opened the doors of Cedar Lodge #60, which is now located at 1 E. Washington street in downtown Clarkston.
The event opened with a catered meal, which was followed by four grand lodge officers addressing the partygoers. After the speeches, which were all deeply enriched by the history of the Lodge and Masons in general, the party goers were able to exchange pleasantries and stories of their own while a musical backdrop provided atmosphere.
‘The lodge has been involved with the history of Clarkston since its inception. Anybody that was a player in Clarkston, names that you see today on streets and lakes they were all part of our lodge,? said Thomas Braun a member of Cedar Lodge #60 since 1998. ‘Everybody went to the lodge it was part of the community.?
Recently the Lodge has paired with the Clarkston Historical Society in their cemetery walk event and assisted them at Taste of Clarkston.
Bill Smith, a member since 1975, cites the fellowship among the members of the lodge as what has kept it going strong for so long.
‘It’s a beautiful lodge I’ve enjoyed (my time here) very much. It might sound corny, but our brotherly love overflows? said Howard Barling another long time member of Cedar Lodge #60.
The party was a success for the members of the Cedar Lodge and an opportunity for several generations of Masons to come together and celebrate their collective heritage.
The first Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons was organized in 1826. Freemasonry itself dates back to the 17th century and is considered the oldest active fraternal order in the world.