Клуб масонов Клинтон отметил 200-летие церемонией и капсулой времени

PRINCETON — The Clinton Lodge No. 82 Free and Accepted Masons celebrated their bicentennial anniversary on Saturday night. Clinton Lodge No. 82 has remained active since 1826 — promoting freemasonry’s core values of integrity, brotherhood, personal growth and service to others. Saturday’s celebration featured a ceremony, guest speakers, historical exhibits, and educational displays highlighting Clinton Lodge No. 82’s history. Visiting Lodge Grandmaster Luke Martin, with the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, said it was those values that brought him into the fraternity that he’s been a part of for 19 years. “[When] I was growing up, I saw good men in the neighborhood doing great things in the community, and I kind of showed interest in that and found out they were Masons,” Martin said. “I was like, ‘I want to be part of that.’ When you see good people doing good things, you can never go wrong.” Lodge members dedicated a flagpole as well as a cornerstone of their former building that burned down, while enjoying each other’s fellowship with food and conversation. “To have 200 years under your belt for a lodge, that says a lot,” Martin said. “You know, just to celebrate that with them and the families — and don’t forget the families. Even though we meet here as brothers, our families are our biggest support, and we really appreciate them.” Clinton Lodge No. 82 Master Lafon Coomer said there are many misconceptions about masons that he wants to clear up and address. “We have an altar in the middle of the floor,” Coomer said. “We have the Bible open to specific scriptures. We take people of all religions — we are not a religion. We do not offer a plan of salvation, but we take men of all religions, and just promote brotherhood.” Martin agreed that brotherhood is the most important part of the experience, and the central theme of the bicentennial festivities. “You can go anywhere in the world, and there’s probably a brother around the corner that if [you] ever needs some help, they’re there to help you,” Martin said. “And if they need help, they know we’re there for them. That’s the brotherhood.” In honor of the bicentennial, the lodge is collecting items for a time capsule with the hope it will be opened by Clinton Lodge No. 82 members 100 years from now.