Paul Jellison has been elected and installed as “Worshipful Master” of Dalton Masonic Lodge No. 578 Free and Accepted Masons (F & AM).
Jellison was installed by Past Master Gary Cooper. Other installing officers were District Deputy Andrew Vanderhorst, Installing Marshal, Past Master Mike Hibbs, Installing Secretary and Past Master Ralph Milburn, Installing Chaplain.
This 119th annual installation of officers was held Dec. 8 at the Wilmington Masonic Center in downtown Wilmington. Dalton Lodge has been serving Clinton County since 1898.
In his position as Master, Jellison is the presiding officer and head of the Lodge. The title of “Master,” instead of “President,” reflects the Masonic tradition of using ceremonies and titles from the stonemasons of the Middle Ages. When the great cathedrals of Europe were being built, the Mason in charge of a building site was referred to as a “master of the work.”
Other officers installed during the ceremony were Scott Baker, Senior Warden, Ralph Milburn, Junior Warden, Gary Cooper, Treasurer, Douglas Cooper, Secretary, Thomas Milburn, Senior Deacon, Dan Kennelly, Junior Deacon, Thomas Milburn II, Senior Steward, William Pitzer, Junior Steward, C.J. Moore, Tyler, and Don Williams, Chaplain.
The installing officers presented the Master Jewel, and Apron of his office. The incoming Master, Jellison was presented an engraved gavel by Past Masters John Vergne and Ralph Milburn.
A delicious meal was served in the dining room prior to the installation and the evening was followed with dessert.
Freemasonry is the oldest, largest, and most widely recognized fraternal organization in the world, stated the media release. Today, there are more than 2 million Freemasons in North America alone.
Dalton Lodge continues to support Clinton County Special Olympics.
Charity is an important tenet of the Masonic fraternity. Approximately 100,000 Freemasons in Ohio provide about $15 million in charitable giving annually. This year they gave $100,000 in college scholarships, contributed $200,000 to Special Olympics Ohio Summer Games, and funded $70,000 in free training for hundreds of Ohio school teachers to recognize students at non-academic risk.
They also provided $12 million in elderly care, and helped many needy Ohio families and individuals through their Charitable Foundation.
General information on the organization is available at the website www.freemason.com .
For local information, please contact Lodge Secretary Douglas Cooper at 937-725-8083.
