The Ontario Mason: Masons Have Great Success in Benevolent Projects

Masons Have Great Success in Benevolent Projects
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Bob Price on 17 June, 2008 06:49:00
 
Port Perry Star May 8th 2008
The Masons of Port Perry are a lodge on the grow.
( NOTE: 22 new members in te last 2 years have been added to the register. )
Not only is Fidelity Masonic Lodge #428 a busy group of men, with different
activities and events, they are among the healthiest clubs in terms of members,
with an unprecedented surge in membership to approximately 100 reached in the
past two years, says Worshipful Brother Eric Flowers, the Master of the Lodge.
The lodge was built in 1959 almost 50 years ago, but the Masonic Order has been
active in Port Perry since 1892, Mr. Flowers said. The Masons meet every second
Monday at the Masonic Hall on Queen Street, beside Town Hall 1873, except July
and August.
"The movies like the Da Vinci Code and National Treasure have undoubtedly
sparked a renewed interest in Masonry," Mr. Flowers said. "But great
communication within the lodge's members and the community, as well as the
camaraderie of belonging to the craft are vital to our continued success."
A proud member of Ontario District, Mr. Flowers said, Fidelity lodge enjoys
being a part of a vibrant district with great success in benevolent projects.
In recent years they have raised funds for autism groups, the seeing eye dog
program, Hearth Place Cancer Centre in Clarington and last year the Charles
Best Diabetic Centre for children and youth, in Oshawa.
The lodge's annual St. Nick's Christmas Dinner in December is a point of pride
for the Masons.
"We serve upwards of 100 delicious dinners to the community," he explained.
And their cooking skills also support the Scugog Choral Society, providing the
meals for the theatre group's patrons before attending performances.
The Fidelity Masonic Lodge was a longtime host to blood donor clinics over past
years before the clinics moved to the Scugog Community Centre for more space.
However, the Masons are still sponsors of the clinics and provide volunteers to
Canadian Blood Services.
The Masons also support Blue Ray Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, which is
affiliated with the Masonic Order.
Mr. Flowers points to a couple of special events that have taken place within
the lodge's membership as examples of the wonderful heritage among the
brothers.
In recent years Fidelity Lodge was witness to Brother Roy Nottingham receiving
his 60-year pin as a member of the Masonic Order. Added to that, just last year
Mr. Nottingham had the pleasure of presenting his sons, John Nottingham and
Kenneth Nottingham with his Lewis Jewel, awarded to sons of Masons. In turn
John presented the third generation, his son John Nottingham jr. with his Lewis
Jewel.
Anyone interested in more information about the Masons can contact Mr. Flowers.
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