Anita Vandermark
By Anita Vandermark
This week I will share information on another special local organization -The Wallkill Lodge No. 627 F. & A.M. currently located at 61 Main Street, Walden.
It all began when Hugh Barkley Bull was born in 1816. He was a graduate of Union College and former NY State Assemblyman. In 1866 Bull established Wallkill Lodge in his hometown of Montgomery. After the Grand Master of Masons in the State of New York granted dispensation, Wallkill Lodge held its first regular meeting on December 7, 1866. On June 24, 1867 the Lodge received its first official charter and was assigned the number 627.
After the American Civil War, veterans of Orange County felt a continued longing for camaraderie. Freemasonry experienced a large influx of membership during this time, forcing small Masonic Lodges to build Masonic Temples or relocate into larger rooms.
In 1878, Wallkill Lodge moved from the Village of Montgomery to the booming industrial complex of Walden.
Regular meetings were held on the third floor of the Fowler Building. In 1893, due to heating issues and growing membership, the Lodge relocated to the Masonic Temple on Main Street in Walden. The first trustee of the Masonic Temple was none other than Colonel Thomas W. Bradley, fraternal “Brother” of Wallkill Lodge, Medal of Honor recipient during the Civil war, and President of the New York Knife Company.
For the past 157 years, names like Millspaugh, Young and Kidd, walked the halls of the Masonic Temple, bound by the principal tenets of Freemasonry: Faith, Hope and Charity Wallkill Lodge No. 627 continues to be a pillar of strength for our community and has helped shape men to become virtuous and industrious leaders in today’s society.
The Lodge meets on the first and third Wednesday of the month. Men interested in Freemasonry are welcome to visit at 6:30 p.m. before each meeting. Current Master Eric Van Dalinda.
Happy Anniversary to Bobbie and Jodi Lynn and Dean and Tara Stickles on Valentine’s Day, February 14. Wishing the happy couples all life’s best.
Members of the Walden Rotary Club. Family and Friends send Happy Birthday greetings on February 26 to Keith Hunter. Many thanks for all he does for this great organization.
Walden Senior Club members, family and friends send Happy Birthday greetings to Ellie Voss on February 18 and to Clare Ciardullo on February 27. Enjoy your special day.
If you are a fan of classical music, I have an item for your winter calendar. You are invited to join the Fox Hill Community for a free concert on Saturday, February 10 at 3 p.m. at the Fox Hill Bruderhof dining hall, 80 Coleman Road, Montgomery’ Please park in the visitors’ lot. On the program: Mozart Flute Quartet; J. C. Bach Quartet; J.S., Bach - Sheep May Safely Graze’ Rocco Cello duets. You will be treated to one hour of classical music followed by refreshments.
The Walden Baptist Church will hold a fundraiser for Operation Dalmatian on Saturday, February 17, 5 - 8 p.m. at their ‘Church Hall on Bank Street. They will serve a Soup and Salad Dinner. Cost - $8 per person. Takeout is also available.
The Walden Community Council will meet at the Josephine-Louise Public Library on Wednesday, February 14 at 7 p.m. to plan 2024 events. You are invited to join this group to make plans for all to enjoy. Questions - Call (845) 778-7772.
Back by popular demand, the Walden Historical Society will host Lisa Morrison, Psychic/medium at the Jacob T. Walden House, 34 North Montgomery Street on Saturday, April 13, 7 - 9 p.m. $50/person. Light refreshments served. Reservations required. Contact Sandy at (845) 401-2795.
If you would like to obtain necessary volunteer training for the Town of Montgomery Friendly Visitor Program, a class will be available on February 20, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Pre-registration is required. Please call (845) 341-1173 ext. 305 or email volunteer@jfsorange.org.
It’s time to sign up for the Spring Festival at Wooster Memorial Grove Park. This annual event hosted by the Walden Harvest Fest Committee is scheduled for Saturday, April 20, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. inside the John H. Howland Youth Center, 89 East Main Street, Walden. For vendor information contact Debbie Robb at (845) 706-1570. All proceeds benefit the 2024 Annual Harvest Fest.
The Josephine-Louise Public Library sends the following news:
The Kids Art Club with Miss Beth is scheduled for Wednesday, February 14, 4:30 p.m. for ages 7 and up. Beth features a famous artist each month and helps the children understand the process and learn to create their own art using the artists’ technique.
Christine Adams will be back at the library for a Bluebird Felting craft on Thursday February 15, 6 p.m. Please register ahead of time so that we have enough material. Call (845) 778-7621 or stop by the Main circulation Desk.
The Walden Chess Club will meet on Saturday, February 17, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. All ages and skill levels are welcome.