By Brother Tom Ewald
Lake Country Freemasons Lodge (No. 42) in Oconomowoc hosted an Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Mason Ewald on February 1.
The ceremony was attended by 55 people that included family, friends, scouts and other Masons.
Mason Ewald’s Eagle project was to beautify a new Pet Ossuary at the Village of Summit Cemetery located on Delafield Road in Summit/Oconomowoc. Mason led a group of 13 volunteers and landscaped, constructed signage, built seating and cleaned up the area for its intended use. There were over 140 volunteer hours recorded for the project all at no cost to the community.
Lake Country Freemasons Lodge has had a history supporting Scout Troop #49 for over 10 years. During a period of transition for the Troop, the Lodge let the Scouts hold regular meetings at the Lodge for almost two years at no cost. There have been a number of other collaborative efforts with the Troop and the Lodge over the years. The connection with Scouting and the Lodge goes deeper as the current Master Matt Bohman is an Eagle Scout from Troop 49. Additionally there are 11 other living Past Masters that were in Scouting along with other members of the Lodge; many of whom are Eagle Scouts.
There is an excellent opportunity for Lodges to partner with local Scout troops in their respective communities. A Lodge can serve as the Charter organization of a Troop or can simply connect with a Troop and collaborate with a community event the Lodge may need help with. All Scouts are required to log a specified amount of community service hours, and in some cases, Scouts can earn credit for certain merit badges and rank advancements so they are very motivated to get out. One of the most beneficial things that collaborative exposure like this gives a Lodge, is visibility in the community and it allows for connections to be made with the Scout Troop leadership, the parents, and the Scouts. When a Scout turns 18 they “age out” and unless they stay on as a Junior adult leader most Scouts move on. Why not have a pathway to consider becoming a Freemason? Whether your Lodge is planning a car show, a golf outing, a spring clean up or a Master’s picnic consider reaching out to your local Scout Troop for help, and who knows you might be handing out a petition if all goes well.
