Don Ross turns 101, becomes honorary member of Masonic Lodge in Albion
Photo by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Jim Horncastle, master of the Albion Renovation Lodge 97, presents an honorary membership to Don Ross on Friday evening, which was also on Ross’s 101st birthday.
Ross celebrated his birthday at Tillman’s Village Inn with family and friends, including many local Masons. Ross is a member of the Towpath Lodge, which includes Medina and Middleport Masons.
Horncastle and the Albion Masons wanted to recognize Ross, who has been a Mason for 78 years.
“In our area he is very well known,” Horncastle said. “He’s been around for years and years. It’s very inspiring for guys like me.”
Ross, a Barre resident, ran a plumbing business for 40 years in Albion. He joined the Masons when he was 22. He was a pin boy as a kid, setting up bowling pins on two lanes owned by the Masonic Lodge. The members were always good to him, and welcomed him to join the lodge as a young adult. Ross served the lodge in many roles over the past 78 years.
Ross’s late wife, Bernadine, also has been a member of the Order of the Eastern Star for 77 years.
Provided photo: Don Ross is pictured with some of the members of the Masonic Lodge in Albion including from left: Kyle Webb, Jim Horncastle, Joe Martillotta and Tim McGee.
The Albion lodge currently has 55 members.
“We’re here to do what we can for the community,” Horncastle said. “In our lodge there are many wonderful mentors. It’s a chance to spend time with people I consider brothers.”