Jefferson Lodge installs new officers, awards scholarships

The Jefferson Masonic Lodge No. 15 held an Open Installation of Officers July 16 in Lewes, where several members of the lodge were appointed to new positions. In addition, the Jefferson Lodge awarded three $1,000 scholarships to local students during the Installation.

Established in 1849, the Jefferson Lodge has played an active role in the Lewes community over the years. The nonprofit organization is a fraternal group of freemasons who are committed to philanthropy, leadership and brotherhood.

“The main goal of the Jefferson Lodge is charity,” said Timothy Wolfe, who was appointed worshipful master at the installation, the highest honor in Masonic jurisdiction. “We’re here to help other people. We’re here to try to make things better, to get out and help while we can.”

The Jefferson Lodge focuses on many forms of community volunteer work. The lodge donates food, fundraises, contributes to charities, issues scholarships, and has helped install handicap ramps for buildings that require them.

“Community is what we’re really trying to be about. We are here for everyone else. That’s what Masons are about,” said Wolfe.

The lodge renews its officers annually through nomination. To become an officer, one must be appointed to a lower seat and then be elected to a higher chair by the lodge brothers. At the end of the Masonic year, the former officials must step down and pass off their duties to another lodge member.

In addition to the Installation of Officers, the Jefferson Lodge also presented scholarships to three local college students. The scholarship application required an essay submission and multiple teacher recommendations. Among the winners were Rhianna Wenke, who is currently studying at Delaware Tech to become a veterinary technician, Peyton Medd, a rising sophomore studying health science at the University of Florida, and Paige Fleegle, who will be attending her first year at the University of Delaware majoring in history education.