Masons make donation

by Bonnie Davidson

“Many hands make light work” could very well be the motto of the Stockbridge Teen Center.  Not only have they rounded up many volunteers to help oversee the new youth gathering spot, they’ve also found local groups willing to help fund some of the costs. The Stockbridge Masonic Lodge #130 Free & Accepted Masons in Michigan is one such group.  Seeking donations for the Teen Center, Crossroads Community Church Student Ministry Directors, Samantha Young and Bonnie Davidson, contacted the Lodge and were eagerly invited to make a presentation. The day after their presentation, the Directors learned that the lodge would be giving the Teen Center a check for $1,200.

The presenting of a check to a hard-working local group is not an unusual response for the Masons. Within the last 3 years, the Masonic Lodge has donated over $23,000 to local needs, including providing high school scholarships, supporting Outreach families at Christmas, purchasing books for our school libraries, contributing funds for baseball dugouts, the Robotics Teams, the Equestrian Team, SAESA’s Young Explorers, the high school Choir, the high school newspaper, and Farm Family Assistance.

As for the Teen Center Directors, they were grateful and astounded.  “We are continually encouraged by the support we’ve received from within our community,” says Young.  “We want to thank the Masonic Lodge for their generous gift–we presented a need and they responded to meet that need. Our entire community has rallied behind us to see this Teen Center succeed, so we want to thank you all!” exclaims both Young and Davidson.

The Teen Center is up and running, but continues to seek support so they can update games and equipment, and rent gym space or pay for special events. If you are interested in helping, please send an email to [email protected]   The Teen Center is located in the Stockbridge Activity Center and is open Monday through Friday from 2:30 – 5:30pm, serving students in grades 6-12.

Photographed left to right Dick (Dutch) Ramsdell, Sheila Young, Richard Gibson, Dan Wilson, Richard Lambert, Bonnie Davidson, Bob Cunningham, and Ron Miller.
Photo credit: Diane M. Rockall