The Fraternal Lodge #37 F & A M celebrated their 175th anniversary on Sunday, November 10, 2019. This lodge is the 37th of its kind in the state of Georgia.

  “It’s a milestone to hit 175. Sadly, a lot of people are no longer around because their interests have changed,” said David Lee, Worshipful Master of Fraternal Lodge #37.

  Members and guests marked the occasion with a visit from members of the Grand Lodge of Georgia F & A M, located in Macon.

  Jonnie M. Garmon, the Most Worshipful Grand Master of the State of Georgia, and officers from the Grand Lodge of Georgia visited the Fraternal Lodge #37 in McDonough.

  For the event, representatives brought a Bible from the Solomon’s Lodge #1 in Savannah, the first Masonic Lodge in the state of Georgia.

  “That is actually General James Ogelthorpe’s Bible. It has all the other chapters in it that are not in the King James Bible,” said Lee. “He was the very first master of Savannah Lodge #1. He donated that Bible. It is a very historic artifact.”

  Members marked the occasion by holding a ceremony to remember their origins and reflected on the leaders that have contributed to the lodge over the years.

  “It was a special experience,” said Tom Carder, Junior Warden. “It’s just cool to see history. We have all of the pictures of our past masters hanging on our wall, a long lineage of men that have run our lodge.”

  Founded in 1844, the Fraternal Lodge #37 has been present in the McDonough community since its inception. Formerly located on the Historic McDonough Square, the lodge is now located at 65 Veterans Drive in McDonough.

  The Fraternal Lodge #37 continues to work to make an impact on the local community throughout the year with fundraisers and donations.

  “We are an American organization. We are just a bunch of men that are like minded,” said Carder. “We watch out for each other, help each other, and take care of wives, widows, orphans, and give back to the community.”

  The members adopt a family at Christmas and visit the sick regularly. They also sponsor orphans, of which they make sure they have the items necessary to succeed.

  “We actually just donated Christmas money to the family of a retired police officer that passed earlier this year,” said Lee.

  Additionally, proceeds from their yearly pancake breakfasts and BBQ lunches are given right back to the community.

  “Unfortunately we are a lodge that does not have a lot of money, but we do help the community where we can,” said Lee.