For Immediate Release
Sullivan County, New York
Dated: October 27, 2003

Herman and Alfred Reinshagen
honored for 60 years of Freemasonry

LIBERTY – Herman Reinshagen of Bethel and his brother Alfred Reinshagen of Cleveland, Georgia were honored recently for sixty years of service to the Masonic fraternity. The brothers were raised to the degree of Master Mason together on March 13, 1942 in Monticello Lodge #532, Free & Accepted Masons.

They were accompanied by their wives Minerva and Alice, brother Carl, sister Marie, and granddaughter Tammy at an October 27th meeting held by Monticello Lodge on Eagle Drive in Liberty. The dinner and meeting was attended by about 50 local Freemasons and family members.

In addition to the Masonic anniversary, the previous week Herman and Minerva Reinshagen celebrated 60 years of marriage. Herman Reinshagen is a retired farmer in the Town of Bethel. Alfred is a retired school teacher.
After accepting embossed certificates signed by Carl Fitje, Grand Master of Masons in the State of New York, and lapel pins recognizing their 60 years of good fraternal standing, each brother spoke about changes in the community over the last six decades. Herman Reinshagen recalled their father riding his horse in 1912 through the snow to get to meetings of Callicoon Lodge #521 in Jeffersonville. He encouraged his sons to join Monticello Lodge, Herman said, because membership in his own was declining and Monticello Lodge then had over 300 members.

The awards were given jointly by the present Master of Monticello Lodge, Ernie Marchino, and immediate past master, Tom Rue. Twenty-seven others were recognized for years of fraternal service – including Ralph Breakey for 55 years – but none as extensive as the Reinshagens.

Past Master’s Apron Presented to Tom Rue

The same evening, Mr. Marchino presented Mr. Rue with an embroidered blue and white ceremonial apron to be worn on Masonic occasions in thanks for his two years of service as Master of Monticello Lodge. In his remarks Mr. Marchino recalled some events that took place during the years 2001-2002 and 2002-2003 when Mr. Rue served as Worshipful Master.

Mr. Rue expressed gratitude to his wife Carmen for her support and to the members for allowing him the honor of leading the organization for two years.

Freemasonry is the oldest and largest fraternity in the world, a universal society of friends who seek to become better men through their association with one another and their families. It is a 600-year-old fraternity with a 3,000-year tradition, the prototype of most modern fraternal societies and service organizations.

Sullivan County has five Lodges: Liberty (#521), Monticello (#532), Delaware (#561), Livingston Manor (#791), and Fallsburg (#1122). For information about becoming a Mason, call Mr. Marchino at 845.796.4822. Or go online to sullivanmasonicdistrict.org.