Bro. Thomas David Jordan, WBro. John Henry Harbin, WBro. Craig Skinner, MWBro. John Strickling, WBro. David Whitaker, WBro. Jerry Burpee, and WBro. Kerry Stanley.
On Saturday, September 12, Brothers, families, and friends of Renaissance Lodge #933 gathered at Happily Ever After Weddings & Events in Hartselle to celebrate the Lodge’s 10th anniversary and a decade of fellowship, tradition, and Masonic labor.
Chartered in 2016, Renaissance Lodge #933 became Alabama’s first Observant Lodge. From its beginning, Renaissance has placed particular emphasis on excellence in ritual, Masonic education, decorum, meaningful fellowship, and the preservation of the traditions of the Craft.
The anniversary celebration provided an opportunity to recognize the Brothers who helped establish that vision. Seven of the Lodge’s original Charter Members remain members today: WBro. Jerry Burpee, WBro. John Henry Harbin, Bro. Thomas David Jordan, WBro. Craig Skinner, WBro. Kerry Stanley, MWBro. John Strickling, and WBro. David Whitaker.
The Lodge also paused to remember five Brothers who have laid down the working tools of life during its first decade: Clarence Ballard, Bob Hickman, Dr. Stephen Gilbert, Harvey Pride, and Tim Edwards. Brothers Ballard, Hickman, and Gilbert were Charter Members of Renaissance Lodge. A special memorial recognition during the evening honored their friendship, service, and contributions to the Lodge.
WBro. Jerry Burpee, a Charter Member and current Secretary of Renaissance Lodge #933, served as the evening’s keynote speaker. He shared the story of the Lodge’s founding, the principles that guided its formation, and reflections on Renaissance’s first ten years.
The evening also included formal toasts, an anniversary cake ceremony, dinner catered by The Freight House of Hartselle, a group photograph, music, dancing, and fellowship among Brothers, their families, and guests.
As Renaissance Lodge #933 enters its second decade, its Brothers look forward to building upon the foundation established by its Charter Members and continuing the Lodge’s commitment to Masonic education, excellence in ritual, meaningful fellowship, and the traditions of the Craft.
Visiting Brothers are always welcome at Renaissance Lodge #933, and we encourage Masons from across Alabama to join us for an evening of Masonic labor and fellowship. A Festive Board follows Lodge, and visiting Brothers are asked to provide advance notice when possible so that we may properly prepare for their attendance.
