Creating Holiday Memories at Hollidaysburg Lodge No. 220

By Brother Chase L. Richardson, Senior Warden, Hollidaysburg Lodge No. 220

This past Easter eve, Hollidaysburg Masonic Lodge No. 220 held our second annual Easter egg hunt following our monthly breakfast, which Brother Jason A. Wilkinson, District Deputy Grand Master – District 20, hosts for brethren, families and potential Masons.

I was proud to be the chairman of the event. As Brother Jason said when he came in the door that morning, “You could not have asked for a better day.” He was right! We had a fantastic turnout of children and families with many happy faces all coming at one time and all expecting something at once. The wonderful thing is, it all worked out because so many brethren and Masonic families ̶ from not only our lodge but across the 20th Masonic District ̶ pitched in to help.

Our special guest, the Easter bunny, played by Brother Dustin McElheny, was one of the highlights of the event and was adored by the children in attendance. The Jobel Jovial Jokesters, the clown unit of Jobel Court No. 11, Ladies Oriental Shrine Unit of North America, Jaffa Shriners, attended as well, and entertained the attendees with balloon sculptures, balloons and their zany antics. We had a local artist who specialized in facepainting come to the event, and it was a huge hit with the kiddos.

The best part is, we didn’t charge for a thing. The point of this was to give back to the community ̶ show them we do more than keep a building looking good and wear nice suits. The lodge had minimal expenses put into it, from candy, eggs, handmade crafts and baskets to snacks and drinks. It was all donated from the brethren and their families.

Some would ask, “What did the lodge get in return for this?” My reply would be, “Nothing and everything.” A lodge is not a building; it’s the brethren who make a lodge. Events like this are where we find not only fellowship but purpose, and show that to the community around us. What we do: Make good men better. In turn, they make their community better. We had people asking questions about Freemasonry and what do we do. Most importantly, asking “How do you become a Mason?”

As you look at the pictures with this article, see the smiles and happiness, not only from the kids and parents but the brothers helping in the event. That is what current and future brothers are looking for: the joy of charity and the fellowship that comes with building that charity with our brothers.

One of the main reasons I became a Mason was to better myself and help my community, like I witnessed Masons doing when I was young. Showing and not telling and giving for the sake of giving to me are core tenets of Freemasonry. Events like this are an example of those tenets. Consistency in them will grow not only your lodge. Your events that grow the lodge resources will be better as the community and brethren alike see what they are supporting.