Okmulgee Masonic Lodge #199 hosted a public Cornerstone and Dedication Ceremony on Oct. 26. Members of the Tulledega #201 (Henryetta Masonic Lodge) participated in the ceremony. A lunch was enjoyed at the Okmulgee American Legion building followed by the ceremony at the Okmulgee Masonic Lodge located on the corner of 16th and Oklahoma streets. During the ceremony, the cornerstone was checked using ancient tools and consecrated with grain, wine and oil, symbols of prosperity, health and peace. A metal tube was provided that will hold special memorial items. Several lodge members and others took part in the cement laying portion of the ceremony.

Among those attending were: Most Worshipful Grand Master (MWGM) Michael Dixon and wife Karen, Past Grand Master Glen Almy, Deputy Grand Master Bob Peters, District Deputy to the Grand Master Rex Hastey and wife Stacy, Grand Treasurer David David, Senior Grand Warden Robert Davis, Junior Grand Warden Scott Vincent, Senior Grand Deacon Ron Minshall, Junior Grand Deacon Steve Peters, Grand Marshall Cecil Walker, Grand Chaplain John Carter, Grand Bible Bearer Ed Dixon, Grand Tyler Steve Viner, Grand Musician John Church, Worshipful Master of Okmulgee Lodge #199 Stephen Nelson and wife Monica, Rep. Scott Fetgatter, Entered Apprentice at Tulledega Lodge 201 Jason Gold, Templar John King, Past Master James “Doc” Culbert, Kim Walker, Past Grand Master E. Keith Lyles, Past Master and Treasurer of Okmulgee #199 Terry Maddux, Past Master and Junior Deacon of Okmulgee #199 Duaine Janzen and wife, Past Master and Okmulgee #199 Member Wayne Burton, Past Grand Master and Grand Secretary Bobby Laws, Past Master and current Tulledega Treasurer Travis Moore and many others.

Following the ceremony, a $15,670 check was presented to Taylor VanWinkle by Travis Moore and other Masons, Stephen Nelson, Michael Dixon and Rex Hastey.

A 23-year-old from Okemah and the son of Monica Nelson, Taylor suffers from Stage V Renal Failure and seeks a living kidney donor. The funds will help Taylor with the increasing costs of medical expenses including dialysis as well as travel.