PRESS RELEASE – Harmony Lodge No. 86, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, recognized 14 past Grands’ during a special program held in March at the lodge.
The event was called to order by their Charter Noble Grand, Charles H. Bailey. Before becoming their Noble Grand, he was active on a District and State Level, serving as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania from 1996 to 1997 and later as Grand Secretary.
He appointed Past Grands to fill the various chairs for the evening. They were Darrell Turner, Vice Grand; Past District Deputy Grand Master G. Ralph Rodriguez, Senior Past Grand, who celebrated his 50th year of becoming a Past Grand; Raymond “Bull” Boulanger as Warden; Brian J. Turner, Conductor; Past Grand Master and current Grand Secretary Justin C. Bailey, Secretary; Past Grand Marshal Tyler M. Arnold, Treasurer; Past District Deputy Grand Master Gerald W. Guscott, Sr., Chaplain; Robert J. Leibensperger, Inside Guardian; current Noble Grand Arthur W. Valentine, Right Supporter; Donald Hunsinger Left Supporter; current Vice Grand Gary W. Price, Vice Grand’s Right Supporter; Past Grand Gerald W. Guscott, Jr., Vice Grand’s Left Supporter; Past Vice Grand Kyle R. Smith, Flag Bearer.
Also present were a contingent of Brothers from Leesport Lodge No. 141, included was Past Grand Patriarch of the Grand Encampment of Pennsylvania, William S. Mooney. Tellers for the election of Grand Lodge officers were Past Grands Tyler Arnold and Ray Boulanger.
“Many comments were made about the positive outcome of our meeting and we hope for a great upcoming spring and summer,” said Bailey.
Grand Master Joseph J. Giebel, Jr., also had billboards placed on route 309 as part of his project.
Prior to the meeting, a dinner was held honoring all Past Grands of Harmony Lodge. To date, there are 14 Past Grands in Harmony Lodge. 11 of which were present at last meeting.
More information about the lodge is available on Facebook at the IOOF Harmony/Lady Harmony page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/IOOF-Harmony-Lady-Harmony-Lodge-Tamaqua-PA/408761075837662.