Freemasons in the community
Masonry is about making people better. This is reflected in our scholarship programs, bikes 4 books, and other charitable endeavors. Literacy makes a person more capable, more understanding, imaginative, sympathetic and knowledgeable. The more literate they are, the more these qualities grow.
Bikes 4 Books
Lynden/Ferndale International Lodge #56 gives 2 bikes to 22 schools in 5 county districts. Each school will create a reading program that encourages its students to read with the possibility of winning a bike. The program has been running for 17 years and has resulted in huge increases in reading participation in local elementaries and middle schools. A few years ago the number of words read by students at Irene Reither increased 400%! Lynden/Ferndale International Lodge #56 is a leader in the state for this program. We look to constantly find new means to give and teach.
Educator of the Year
Annual awards of $1,500.00 are made to the Outstanding Educator in five school districts. Nominations are made by peers of teachers, counselors, and administrators. Lodge members work closely with the Superintendent and Director of Human resource at Lynden, Ferndale, Blaine, Meridian, and Nooksack Valley School Districts on nominations. Each member of the Lodge Judging Committee rates every applicant for each school district. The combined scores by all the judges are determined to be the winners.
scholarship Programs
2024 marked the 18th year that Lynden/Ferndale International Lodge has offered scholarships to deserving high school seniors. Five $2,000.00 scholarships for continuing education are awarded to qualified seniors in the Blaine, Lynden, Ferndale, Nooksack Valley, and Meridian School districts each year. Information about the scholarship program is provided to the counselors at the five school districts shortly after the new year begins in January. Applications, including current high school transcripts and a one-page essay based on the interests and future plans of the applicants, are due in March. Judging of the applications is by members of the Lodge and somehow, someway, the cream always rises to the top although often the applicants all are so good that a final choice is difficult. The scholarships are awarded by representatives of the Lodge at the awards ceremony held by each school district in the late Spring.
Hands Across the Border
Hands Across the Border - 2024 Fall Upcoming Event: Saturday, November 2, 2024 is the date that has been selected by the Grand Masters for 2024 Fall Hands Across the Border event. We will honor MWB Mark Forster, Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of A. F. & A.M. of British Columbia & Yukon, and MWB James Norton Jr., Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of F. & A.M. of Washington. Contact WB Dick Decima at 360-820-1660
2024 fall Hands Across the Border