Masons combine to form new lodge in Spencerport

Freemasonry's Grand Lodge officers of New York state, under the direction of Grand Master Edward R. Trosin, Jr., will assemble in Spencerport on Sunday, May 15 at 3 p.m. to dedicate the new Unity Lodge No. 479. The ceremony will be at the Lodge hall at 133 South Union Street in the village. Local, state, town and village officials are expected to attend. The event is open to the public. Space is limited, so reservations are necessary and can be made by calling Tom Michielsen at 352-4831.

The cornerstone of the present lodge building was laid in September 1905. Lodges formerly named Etolian, Charlotte and Corinthian have come together at the same location just 100 years later, under the name Unity Lodge No. 479.

More than 360 men are members of the consolidated lodge.

This year there have been 12 men who have become members of the new lodge and will earn their degrees as Master Masons. There had been a general decline in membership in the state from over 150,000 in the middle of the 20th century to about 60,000 today. The renewed interest in forming fraternal bonds involving men from their early 20s into their 50s has invigorated the general membership which shows in a steadily increasing attendance at lodge functions and in community visibility and activity.

The Spencerport lodge building houses several commercial and retail businesses on the ground floor while the lodge functions along with other fraternal units on the upper floors. An aerobics class and a Christian Church also use the second floor space.

The second part of the ceremonies in May will be held at the Beahan Road Party House, starting at 5 p.m. the same day, featuring Gabe Dalmath, recently retired Channel 10 TV news anchor, as master of ceremonies. Musical entertainment and a brief historical program about the lodges that have come together will be presented. This is open to the public. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Masonic Service Bureau of Rochester.

The public is welcome to attend the dinner, which costs $30 per person. Make reservations with Michielsen at 127 West Avenue, Spencerport or at 352-4831 for information.