San Bernardino’s Phoenix Rising Masonic Lodge #178 arrived in the early hours of the morning to fulfill a promise they had made to the management and residents of the local, Ahepa Senior Housing Apartments. The sprawling property while well-kempt, had a section of large wooden planters that needed to be replaced with a more stable type of wood in order to better support the plants within the garden area and keep it from certain collapse -- an important job seeing as the gardens were instituted as a means of fun activity and social interaction for seniors living in the area. Thankfully, with the masons’ voluntary aid, this would prove to be quick and efficient work.
The project was a communal effort, done willingly and free of charge by the San Bernardino Masonic Lodge members and some of their families. Individuals of all ages were up and about, playing a role in revamping the yard area. The inclusion of a strong familial element made the event even more special, in that it further promoted a sense of community service and involvement -- one of the pillars that the masons firmly believe in.
The current president of this masonic lodge, Ron Drake, established that one of the significant ideals behind masonry is to continuously improve the community and help where it is needed, “We are obligated to share of our talent, our time, and our treasure.”
Rashenda Johnson, the service coordinator of the senior apartments, spoke highly of the masonic brotherhood who happily came to work and help reconstruct the garden on their day off.
“I am grateful that there was no hesitation on the part of the lodge and their members to come out.” she said, “Ron [president of the masonic lodge], right away, said ‘yes, this is what we love to do.’”
Only a few short hours later, the plot was successfully revamped with new and sturdy wooden structures, with all the different plants carefully put back into place, and the feeling in the air of a job well done.