MASSENA – For their 150th anniversary, Masons in Massena celebrated Masonic traditions such as Celtic music and a solemn ceremony,

Over 130 attendees could made the journey to Massena for the Feb. 26 event. The all-day affair was attended by Masons and their families from all over New York and Canada, including State of New York Grand Lodge Officers. There was an official delegation from Massena’s sister lodge, St. John’s 21A from Van Kleek Hill, Ont., as well as many other Canadian Masons. Several Quebec Masons attended as well.

New York’s Deputy Grand Master and other senior New York Masons traveled from Western New York to preside over celebration.

They first conducted a solemn Rededication Ceremony, open to the public, using the Masonic symbols of corn, wine, and oil. Joining them were the Junior Grand Warden, Charles Uhle, the Grand Treasurer William Thomas, Grand Chaplain Frederick Rogers, Junior Grand Deacon Clayton Ruggles, Deputy Grand Standard Bearer John Dwyer, and the District Deputy Grand Master from Canton, Thomas Jenison.

The South Glengarry Pipes and Drums played while parading through the lodge room in their traditional kilts and formal regalia. John Schneider, Master of Massena Lodge 513, made a surprise presentation of a Past Master Apron to his predecessor, Clark Johnstone.

The ceremony adjourned, and the women and non-Masons went to Dar’s Restaurant for tea and activities while the Master Masons held a Lodge meeting at the temple building. They soon joined the fun at Dar’s and enjoyed cocktails and music.

A dinner program was hosted by local well-known Mason Shawn Gray.

“The Masons are proud of their Massena heritage, and we wanted our celebration to reflect that,” said Brother Schneider.

For further information, visit www.mastermason.com/stlawrencefreemason.