Masonic Lodge celebrates 150 years

MILFORD — The Milford Masonic Lodge of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania will be celebrating its 150th anniversary this September.
Since its founding in 1862, the Milford Lodge has been an integral part of the Freemason’s mission, spreading goodwill and offering support to charities at both the local and national levels.
Formed outside of Milford in what was then Wayne County, and initially named Lodge No. 82, the lodge was created in 1799. Various setbacks caused the chapter to lose its charter, and the lodge became defunct in the 1820s. Years later, at the urging of local residents pining for a new chapter, a formal charter was granted in 1862, and the Milford Masonic Lodge No. 344 started anew.
“I am so proud to be celebrating our 150-year anniversary this year,” said Fred W. Cron, the Milford Masonic Lodge’s Worshipful Master. “For anything to last 150 years is incredible, but when people continue to join together in support of fellowship and goodwill to their community, it’s all the better. I believe in the work that we do, and this anniversary is a testament to our past members and to supporting our mission into a long, steady future.”
As part of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania, the Milford Masonic Lodge has been involved with various donor programs, youth programs and camps, and, most notably, the Child Identification Program, which aids in the identity and recovery of missing children, is supported financially at the Grand Lodge level, and has been lauded by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children for its efforts.
“Freemasons are fraternal by nature, so we get together and have a great time,” said Cron. “Bettering our community and doing good for others is what drives us all. The strong bonds and friendships that have grown are icing on the cake.”