Albany Lodge No. 159
"Small Lodge - Big Actions"

I

This small southern Oklahoma Lodge with 39 members has been extremely active in their community and surrounding area during the first six months of 2009.

Partnering with other groups they have raised $13,225.75 to support the Volunteer Fire Departments in Albany, Wade and Roberta communities in Bryan County and the Albany and Wade Cemeteries.  The Lodge received Matching Funds in connection with the fund raisers totaling $8,230.00 making the amounts presented for the projects total $21,455.75.

The Lodge also raised another $3,599.90 plus Matching Funds of $1,750.00 totaling $5,349.90 by holding a Fish Fry to assist a local individual with some medical expenses.

Additionally, the Lodge contributed $20.00 plus $20.00 in Matching Funds to the OETA telethon appeal in January.

They also held a fund raiser to assist a needy Brother of their Lodge which raised $13,106.50 and received Matching Funds of $2,500.00 making a total of $15,606.50 to present to help this Brother and his wife pay some medical bills resulting from cancer treatments.

Albany Lodge has been able to present a total of $42,452.15 including all their available $12,500.00 in Matching Funds in just the first six months of the 2009 year. 

They are to be commended for taking an active part in the community as well remaining true to their Masonic obligation by assisting one of their needy Lodge members.