Karsceal Turner – I Got NEXT!
The Masonic community is in full-force for the holidays. The brothers of Boaz Lodge #212 and the sisters of Serenity Chapter #118 Order of the Eastern Star contributed to the relief of fellow citizens and embraced the spirit of giving.
Both organizations assembled and delivered food baskets for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Boaz Lodge #212 has an established tradition of assembling food baskets and either hand-delivering them or partnering with local community organizations to insure the less fortunate have a bountiful holiday.
This year the lodge partnered with Halifax Behavioral Services, a comprehensive center that provides psychiatric services for adults, children and adolescents (ages 2-17) with emotional and behavioral problems.
Over a dozen baskets were delivered to the center, located at 841 Jimmy Ann Drive for distribution.
Worshipful Master (president) Donald Jordan was ecstatic about the participation of the lodge. Jordan was installed as in November and this was his first community service project at the helm of the 113 year-old lodge, which pre-dates Bethune-Cookman University’s chartering and all Black Greek Letter Organizations (BGLO).
“This is what it’s all about!” Jordan exclaimed “Such organizations are charged with clothing the unclothed, feeding the hungry, and lending a helping hand to our fellow man whenever we can. The brothers have initiatives in place to do this at different intervals, not just during the holidays,” he added.
Serenity Chapter hits the ground running
Not to be outdone and in addition to contributing to the baskets delivered by their brothers, the sisters of serenity identified two families in need and assembled baskets together before forming a caravan, which traveled across the city to a waiting family.
Serenity Chapter #118 is a brand new chapter under the protection of Jerusalem Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star via the Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge, State of Florida, Prince Hall Affiliation. The chapter received its charter in October at a workshop in Orlando and immediately began reaching out to the community. Membership continues to grow as the chapter makes a name for itself regarding proficiency and outreach.
Chapter Worthy Matron, Maria McCoy was overjoyed at the opportunity to be of service to neighbors.
“It’s always a good feeling when you can help someone in need. To see the joy on the family’s face when we took that Thanksgiving basket to them was awesome. Also, getting together to make up the baskets and to take Christmas gifts for the children was a great time of bonding,” McCoy said.
Both Boaz Lodge #212 and Serenity Chapter #118 contributed at least a trunk-load of toys for school-aged children just in time for Christmas.
The brothers of Abraham lodge #587, located in Daytona Beach continued in its tradition of providing bicycles and toys at the Toys for Tots giveaway sponsored by the United States Marine Corps. Worshipful Master Charles Thomas was pleased with the lodge’s participation and the message it sends throughout the community.
“Toys for Tots has been a staple on Abraham 587’s calendar for some years. The thought of all those little children waking up with Christmas presents under the tree is not only the driving force of Abraham’s participation but a reminder that as a member of this community, we have a responsibility to each and every person who is a part of it,” Thomas said.
Celebration of St. John the Evangelist held in Mims
Members of the Central Florida Masonic community also celebrated one of three holidays amongst Prince Hall Masons. St. John the Evangelist was adopted as a patron of freemasons after the 16th century. The Gospel of St, John is most associated with Masons because of its central theme LIGHT.
The celebration was held at Shiloh African Methodist Episcopal Church, located at 2519 Harry T. Moore Ave, in Mims, Florida. Mims is located in Brevard County and is part of the Titusville Metropolitan Statistical area.
History buffs will know it as the place where Harry T. Moore, a civil rights leader, teacher and founder of the Brevard County NAACP, was murdered with his wife, Harriette, on Christmas Day in 1951.
J.C. Reese Lodge #429, where Leonard Trody is Worshipful Master hosted the event. District Deputy Grand Maser Ronald Williams presided, while Rev. Dexter Thomas gave the message for the afternoon.
Three lodges and two chapters were represented at the venue along with regular members of Shiloh AME. The next Masonic observance will be in September 2015 in Daytona Beach.
