Anna Newhoff
NCR Reporter
A historic Masonic Lodge ceremony at the Northeast Florida Fairgrounds honored Masons from Northeast Florida and South Georgia.
Many Master Masons gathered for awards, fellowship, and learning at the 100 Man Mason meeting March 28.
Multiple lodges from across the region participated, including local lodges from surrounding districts, as well as District Deputies and Grand Lodge representatives. At the meeting, the Grand Masters for Georgia and Florida were present.
“What made this event special was the large turnout and the unity it showed among different lodges. Seeing so many Masons come together to fellowship with each other,” Callahan Masonic Lodge Worshipful Master Chase Taylor said. “It also highlights the strength of Freemasonry in our area and the commitment to keeping the traditions alive.”
The purpose of the Freemasons is to share brotherhood to better oneself.
“I have to say Freemasonry is the only fraternity that I’ve been in where I can go anywhere around the world and be best friends with somebody in just minutes,” Taylor said.
As Callahan’s Worshipful Master, Taylor works to guide lodge activities, the men, and the history of the Freemasons.
“My role is to preside over meetings, ensure Masonic traditions and rituals are properly followed, and support the brothers in both their Masonic journey and personal lives,” he said.
The Callahan Masonic Lodge meets on the first and third Tuesday of every month at 45085 Frank Brookins Drive, Callahan. In order to become a Mason, a man must have good moral character, believe in a supreme being, and be at least 18 years old.
“The process starts by asking a Mason or contacting a local lodge,” Taylor said. “From there, you submit a petition, meet with members, and if accepted, you go through three degrees that teach the principles of Freemasonry.”