1.23.2010

Masons donate to Haiti relief effort


The brethren of Shamokin Lodge No. 255 Free and Accepted Masons, under the leadership of Ed Hancock, Worshipful Master, presented checks totaling $200 to the Schuylkill-Northumberland County Chapter of the American Red Cross Monday.
in their relief efforts to help the people of Haiti following the devastating earthquake the recently hit the nation. 

Charity is the corner stone in Freemasonry, extending outward to touch the lives of all men and women who are in need while facing tragedies such as that which occurred in Haiti. It is because of this principle or core value that we as Freemasons in the greater Shamokin area urge citizens, as well as other service and community groups, to come to the aid of our brothers and sisters in Haiti,” Hancock said. “Freemasonry, although not a religion, is tied to all major religions because of its belief in one God and the universal benevolence He asks us to exhibit. Charity, or kindness towards our neighbor, is one of the standards by which Freemasons live,” he added. 
Accepting the check for The Red Cross was Elizabeth “Betty” Katona, Kulpmont, a past board chair and current member of the local chapter’s Board of Directors. Katona thanked the local lodge and its members, and encouraged others in the community to also get involved and support this most important and vital relief effort. Katona has been a volunteer for the American Red Cross since 1943 and is still active as a judge in local high school swim meets.
http://newsitem.com/masons-donate-to-haiti-relief-effort-1.559875