We’re 50% of the way through our 2024 stated meetings and the hits just keep on coming as just over 50 members and visitors packed into the lodge room for a busy night.
District Deputy Grand Master Richard H. Bradbury, Sr., accompanied by Past District Deputy Grand Master Carl L. Swope and Worshipful Masters of District 8, made an official visit to present some well-deserved awards. First up, Bro. Gary L. Bergstresser was presented with his 50 year Member Pin, having joined the lodge all the way back in 1974.
Bro. Bergstresser was also accompanied by his three sons for the event. The Bergstressers are one of the largest Lewis Jewel family lines at Doylestown Lodge No. 245 and the accolades for Gary were well-deserved due to his active contribution to the lodge as well as the many several appendant bodies in which is acts as an appointed officer.
Next up, Bro. Donald W. Woodling of Newtown Lodge No. 427 received The Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouter Award. The award is an honor due to members of the Fraternity who act as role models and provide dedicated service to the Boy Scouts of America. The Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Award not only supports the Masonic relationship through the man who brought Scouting to America, but proclaims the integrity of the recipient who is honored by receiving the award.
The Washington Crossing Council (the BSA chapter located in the heart of Doylestown) provides Scouting programs for young people and their families in Bucks County in Pennsylvania as well as Hunterdon and Mercer Counties in New Jersey. Within this area, approximately 5000 boys and girls participate in Scouting programs on an annual basis. Doylestown Lodge has many links to Scouting, with Bro. Bergstresser having been a previous recipient of the esteemed award back in 2013. Bro. Woodling was also supported by Bro. William F. Cope of Doylestown (another Daniel Beard Award winner) & District Chairman for Tohickon District of Washington Council 777 as well as Bruce Steven, P.M. of Newtown to receive the honors.
The antique clock in the Fellowship Hall was then returned from a restoration, with its long-time guardian Bro. Grant L. Sergeant, P.M. in attendance to approve the good work of the Building Committee.
Next up, Committees of Inquiry were then appointed to meet with even more new prospective members in the Doylestown area. Bro. Taylor was particularly hungry to tackle the challenge, but he’ll have stiff competition from an all-star team of Past Masters headed by Bro. Sherman, P.M.
Then finally, to wrap up the night, a prosperous looking Bro. Peterson, P.M. gave a lengthy presentation on the history of music to help thin out the numbers and get everyone home safely. The touching throwback to the coziness and musical portion of last year’s banquet was thoroughly enjoyed by those still left in attendance.
Overall, it was yet another fine performance from Bro. Nair W.M. who continues to spoil blue lodge with a constantly escalating level of attendance that proves to be impossible to duplicate everywhere else.