August 27th - D.D.G.M. and Erie District Team Official Visitation & Award Night

From Left to Right – BRo. Timothy Matie – 25 Years – Bro. James Gibson – 60 Years – Right Wor. Henry Zipp Lange, Jr – 65 years – Wor. Gerard E. Shultz, Jr. – 20 Years, and Wor. Joshua Keim.

The First Erie Team with Wor. Joshua Keim – Master of Harmonie Lodge No. 699

Two weeks removed from welcoming six new Brothers to our Fraternity, we honored those Brothers with a little more experience under their aprons. Receiving awards on this evening were:

Wor. Gerard Schultz - 20 years in the Craft
Bro. Timothy Matie - 25 years in the Craft
Bro. George Basil* - 55 years in the Craft
Bro. James Gibson - 60 years in the Craft
Wor. Milton Keim, D.S.A. - 60 years in the Craft
Bro. Calvin Haller* - 60 years in the Craft
Bro. Bro. Ralph Hensen* - 60 years in the Craft
Right Wor. Henry "Zip" Lang, Jr. - 65 years in the Craft
*not present at ceremony

The aforementioned Brothers were given certificates from Grand Lodge along with pins, and for the 60 year members, aprons. All were recognized by our D.D.G.M. Right Worshipful Michael Storck,  to commemorate their achievements. Wor. Schultz received a Harmonie past-master's pin, donated by the Brethren.

I was able to present Bros. Basil and Haller their pins and certificates at their homes. I must tell you, it was a treat and an honor. I met their lovely wives, they told me stories of "the glory days", and expressed great pride in not only what Harmonie was, but what it is today. Although their cable tows do not allow them to attend regular communications, they expressed how much the enjoy reading about what Harmonie is doing in our quarterly newsletter.

In all, the words of gratitude and pride from our awarded Brothers shower the strength of the bond our Lodge has, no matter the difference in our years.

Not to be overshadowed, Bro. Mark Donnelly was presented a certificate for his completion of the Masonic Development Course.

Following the awards around our Festive Board, the District Deputy and his team delivered the Grand Master's Message, and shared much information on the numerous programs and events that Grand Lodge is conducting this term. As common themes of our D.D.G.M. visits, Brotherhood and Charity were at the forefront. There are many opportunities available to us as Masons to fulfill our duty of Charity. I am proud that Harmonie is always looking for new ways to give back and to engage with our Masonic family.


W:. Joshua Keim

Bro. George Basil being presented his pin and certificate for 55 years in the Craft.

Bro. Calvin Haller being presented his certificate and pin for 60 years in the Craft.