From the Community: Masons enhance the blood supply

Published 8:30 am Wednesday, August 6, 2025

By By Jimmy Densmore | Dalton Lodge No. 105 F&AM

From left are Brother John Nelson, Brother Lemuel “Speedy” Laster, Brother Charlie Mariney, Brother Larry Gross, Brother Craig Raper, Brother Joe Bonds and Brother John Hill. (Submitted)

On July 29 an historical masonic event took place on a hot day in North Georgia. Two local freemason lodges came together with a local blood drive authority that provides blood to local hospitals and first responders, Blood Assurance.

This event, displaying unity within the community, was held at the Mack Gaston Community Center in Dalton. Masonic brethren from Dalton Lodge No. 105 F&AM and Dalton Lodge No. 238 F&AM PHA (Prince Hall Affiliated) came together to conduct this blood drive as an opportunity for brotherly love and fellowship.

At this inaugural event, the donations made will help to save the lives of 36 people in the local community. This three-hour enterprise was made possible by District Deputy to the Grand Master and member of Dalton Lodge No. 105 Brother R. Cris Lynch and Brother Joe Bonds of Dalton Lodge No. 238. Guidance and encouragement for this event was greatly appreciated by Brother Craig Raper of Tunnel Hill Lodge No. 202, who is the blood drive chairman for the masonic district that these lodges reside in.

“The blood drive is a direct reflection of our commitment to service and our dedication to the well-being of our community,” stated Raper. “We urge all eligible members of the public to join us in this life-saving effort. A single donation can make a profound difference.”

The goal of this event, and others like it moving forward, is to help, aid and assist in the missions of the blood donation centers of Georgia while promoting partnerships within the community and hometowns. Freemasonry is a benevolent fraternity taking good men and making them better. This event displayed a sense of unity that is sorely needed, and it shone a light on how we can come together to make an impact and a difference. Keep an eye and an ear out for more of these events in the future. Come join us and let’s make a difference together.

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.” — Psalm 133:1

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