2024 Installation of Officers
by Ralph Parrett
On July 20, 2024 at 3:00pm we held our Installation of Officers ceremony.
The Installation of Officers ceremony is one of the few viewable ceremonies that non-Masons can attend. The ceremony gives a sneak peak into the traditions of Masonic ceremonies that can be traced back thousands of years. The ceremony also details each Officer’s position, their duties and responsibilities, and how they not only support the Lodge success but Masonry’s overall.
This is my third installation I’ve gotten to attend and I always find something new about Masonry I didn’t realize before. The ceremony was opened by off going Worshipful Master David Holland where he welcomed guests and gave a factual depiction of what Masonry is about and also listed a number of household names of Masons such as Brad Paisley, Shaquille O’Neal, Mozart, Mark Twain, and more. The Invocation was given by John Townsend V followed by “How Great Thou Art” sang by Debra Kennedy accompanied by Sandra Gubrud on piano. Benny Plunkett, PM performed as Installing Officer supported by John Caldwell, PM as the Installing Marshal for the ceremony.
I would have to say, on my own personal behalf, that the highlight of the ceremony was when John Townsend III presented Masonic memorabilia to his son John Townsend IV, then installed Worshipful Master of Edwin J. Kiest Lodge. Bearing witness to the Townsend family heritage in Masonry through the items was humbling to say the least. In essence, there were four generations of John Townsends’ present for the ceremony.
Closing remarks and Benediction was give by John Townsend IV followed by “America the Beautiful” sang by Debra Kennedy accompanied by Sandra Gubrud on piano.
The ceremony was followed by an amazing meal prepared by Edwin J. Kiest O.E.S Chapter #959.
Worshipful Master David Holland welcoming all our guests
2024 Lodge Officers ready to be installed.
Brother John Townsend IV being installed as Worshipful Master
Brother Dock Green IV after being installed as Senior Warden
Brother Austin Moeller being installed as Junior Warden.
Brother Kelly Walker being installed as Treasurer.
Brother David Holland, PM being installed as Secretary.
Brother Ralph Parrett being installed as Senior Deacon.
Brother Harry Hall, PM being installed as Senior Steward.
Brother Ron Gubrud, PM being installed as Tiler.
Brother James Ball being installed as Marshal and Brother Jerry Marr, PM being installed as Master of Ceremonies.
Worshipful Master John Townsend IV being escorted to the East for the first time to being his year of service to lead Edwin J. Kiest Lodge.
Brother Benny Plunkett, PM welcoming WM John Townsend IV to the East
Worshipful Master John Townsend IV expressing his gratitude to the guests for supporting their Mason.
The FANTASTIC spread of food thanks to Edwin J. Kiest O.E.S. #959.
The FANTASTIC spread of food thanks to Edwin J. Kiest O.E.S. #959.