Several members of Amity Lodge of Masons in Camden, along with fellow Masons from Union Lodge in Union and Orient Lodge in Thomaston held a Brotherhood Day at Quarry Hill retirement center on March 3, 2013. According to Jeff Sukeforth, Secretary of Amity Lodge, this event was something that had been in the planning phase for some time.  Jeff related that when he first began looking at developing a Brotherhood Day he knew of three Masons residing at Quarry Hill who belong to Amity Lodge as well as one from Orient Lodge in Thomaston and one from Eureka Lodge in Tenants Harbor, but after digging a little more it was discovered there were other Masons living there as well.  

With a couple of emails to Dale Flint and Joel Parsons, District Deputy Grand Masters for the 7^th & 9^th Masonic districts, and to Jim Ross the Grand Master of Masons in Maine, the day was set up and the meeting held to hold fellowship and present Masonic awards to the Brothers for their service to Freemasonry.

Family , friends and Masons packed the media room at Quarry Hill where a brief Masonic biography was provided on each recipient by Sukeforth who told the gathering that typically Masons do not seek recognition for their deeds done or their years of service to the craft. He continued saying the Grand Lodge of Maine understands the importance of recognizing good deeds and service and has for years provided Masonic lapel pins to recognize 25 and 40 years of service. When a Brother reaches the 50 year membership point they are awarded a 50 year veterans service medal and for every five year period after that the Brother is awarded a bronze star to be affixed to his medal.   

After each biography was read of each recipient, the awards were presented by Jim Ross with the assistance of Dale Flint and Joel Parsons.  Brother Bill Metzger, was presented a 25 year pin, Brother Gil Hall was presented with a 55 year bronze star, Brother Roger Hannemann was presented with 55 and 60 year bronze stars  and the highlight of the afternoon was Brother Bob Crabtree being presented with his 70 year bronze star.  After the presentations were made there was one more event which was recognized and that was Bob Crabtree’s upcoming 98^th birthday March 29th and everyone in attendance joined in a rousing chorus of Happy Birthday for Bob.

According to Sukeforth these four Brothers represent 222 years of Masonic history and service to the craft and are members as follows; Bill Metzger, member of Eureka Lodge of Tenants Harbor; Roger Hannemann member of Orient Lodge of Thomaston and Joseph Warren –Soley Lodge of Lincoln Mass.; Gil Hall and Bob Crabtree are both members of Amity Lodge #6 of Camden.

Jim Ross said this was a day which recognized the important contribution these members have made to Masonry and this day adds to their lives. Being invited to take part in this event is an honor for me.

After the presentations refreshments provided by Quarry Hill were enjoyed by everyone as a lot of Masonic tales and stories were shared among the Brothers and guests.

If anyone would like more information on the Masonic fraternity they are invited to join the members of the Rockport Masonic Center on March 16 at 6pm for a dinner and Fellowship Information Night. You may also call Sukeforth at 691-2270 to find out more.