Well it is finally here. August 27th 2025 marked the official 175th anniversary of the Constitution of Doylestown Lodge No. 245 F.&A.M. in 1850. We had an amazing turnout and some special guests to commemorate the fine evening. To start the night, The Mayor of Doylestown Borough, Noni West (pictured here with WM Coppola and also DDGM Sellani Sr.) gave a proclamation recognizing and congratulating the Lodge on its 175th Anniversary, commending the Brethren for their enduring contributions to the welfare, strength, and spirit to the Doylestown community. A special thank you to Bro. Holmes for making the arrangements.
We then sat for another excellent festive board prepared by Bros. Sullivan, DeHoratius and Hink, along with an hour of fellowship. It was inspiring to have the lower hall packed, and to see the support from around the District and state including our gracious friends at University 51 and Fritz Lodge to whom we are indebted to for their contributions to our building improvement fund. The meal was also a fine tribute to the intent of the original inhabitants of the building in the early 1800s – the Doylestown Beneficial Society – who envisioned a meeting place for those whose activities would benefit the community of Doylestown by their presence and actions.
After dinner, we dropped the gavel for the special meeting. We were honored by the presence of RWDGM Robert D. Brink, DDGM John Sellani, Sr. and well as RW Bro. Michael Czech of NJ who presented a program on the importance of Freemasonry. Minutes were read from the very first meeting of Doylestown Lodge on September 16th 1850 and moment of silence was had for all of our past Brethren. Kudos were given to the Building Committee for all of their fine workin preparing the lodge room for the special event. During his remarks, the RWDGM took questions from the Brethern and provided unique insight into the future of the fraternity in Pennsylvania, which quite frankly, were extremely well received. Finally, a group photo was taken for the purpose of being placed in the Fellowship Hall to memorialize the event along with a display of the Masters Medals and the Challenge Coin adopted for the Anniversary.
Thanks to the diligent work of our past Brethren, Doylestown Lodge has survived through the American Civil, two World Wars, global epidemics, and major economic events including the Great Depression, making it the longest continually operational organization in Doylestown – predating even the Doylestown Fire Company and the American Legion. As long as we continue to maintain our commitment as the “industrious working lodge” we’ve always been known for, we will endure! Again, thank you to everyone involved in the milestone event. It was a long time coming, and we look forward to celebrating our bicentennial on August 27th 2050!